Comprehensive and Efficient Sectorization of Distribution Networks

Improving water distribution networks efficiency has become a primary goal for water suppliers. Distribution network sectorization seems to be an useful technique to reach that goal. Several advances have been implemented in order to improve water distribution efficiency in networks planning and management through a sectorized layout approach.For every network there are many options to establish an outline of sectors. This paper describes a method to assess the potential efficiency improvement of different sectorization options based on a sustainable global asset management. This new tool for assessment has been built based on a methodology that analyzes scenarios from a holistic perspective, identifying the key factors in the sectorization process by costs and service vulnerability parameters.This project is going to be tested in the Community of Madrid (Spain), where Canal de Isabel II Gestión is the company commissioned for the integral water cycle in the region (more than 6,5 million inhabitants and 188 municipalities). Within this area, the company has already implemented over 600 hydraulic sectors in 18.000 km of pipes with an investment of 15 million euros.