Localization of Contamination Sources in Drinking Water Distribution Systems: A Method Based on Successive Positive Readings of Sensors

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of the localization of contamination sources after deliberate contaminations in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). The proposed methodology is based on the information given by successive positive readings of sensors. Thus, it is possible to estimate the localization of the contamination sources based on only the first sensor that detected a contamination, and then update the results when more information is available. From the tests performed on a real drinking water distribution system, it was possible to observe that as new sensors detect changes in contaminant concentration, other possible contaminations may be detected and the location of contamination sources may be more restricted. The results achieved for the two set of sensors considered in the study contained the correct locations and the instants of contaminations previously simulated. Two case studies were also analysed to study the effect of the occurrence of false positives. It was concluded that it is not always possible to verify the occurrence of those anomalies and when it is verified, it is not possible to distinguish between a false positive and a false negative. The occurrence of false positives did not affect also the results related with the real detections.