A Simulating Cost and Quality in Water Distribution

Abstract

A spatial approach that disaggregates the water supply system into the components of acquisition‐treatment and transmission‐distribution, allows these components to be studied in isolation and in combination. Each of these components has different cost and physical functions and the cost and performance trade‐offs between these functions can provide important insights into regionalization and cost‐related issues. The Water Supply Simulation Model (WSSM) described in this paper is a system of computer programs that allows for an evaluation of the physical and economic characteristics of a water distribution system in a spatial framework. The development of the model and its application to a case study situation is presented.