Dual-use value of network partitioning for water system management and protection from malicious contamination

Abstract

This paper considers the introduction of a contaminant into a water supply system using a backflow attack. The recent development of techniques for water network sectorization, aimed at improving the management of water systems, is also an efficient way to protect networks from intentional contamination and to reduce the risk of the dangerous effects of network contamination. Users can be significantly protected by isolated district meter areas (i-DMAs) in the water network and the closing of the gate valves by a remote control system to implement such i-DMAs in cases of malicious attacks. This study investigates the effects of different approaches for water network partitioning and sectorization to protect networks using a technique for designing i-DMAs that is compatible with hydraulic performance and that is based on graph theory and heuristic optimization.For this analysis, the introduction of cyanide through a backflow attack was assumed. The methodology was tested on a large water network in Mexico and displayed good protection from a malicious attack.

Technical note: Efficient online source identification algorithm for integration within a contamination event management system

“…Such a system normally consists of components for prevention, detection and response. Prevention measures include for example the protection of facilities such as water treatment plants, storage tanks and pumping stations or network sectorization for isolation of contaminants (Di Nardo et al, 2014). Among others, online monitoring of water quality within the distribution system is an essential part of a contamination warning or early detection system (Hall et al, 2007).…”

An Advanced Software to Manage a Smart Water Network with Innovative Metrics and Tools Based on Social Network Theory

“…In the last years, three lines of research and development (real time data acquisition; big data analysis and social network theory) are changing significantly the understanding and management of social and civil networks. The paradigm of Smart City [1] seems now possible due to low cost smart sensors [2] able to measure in real time, and the growth of computational power able to analyse big data and to apply complex network theory, allowing to understand some crucial aspects of very large networks in terms of reliability and robustness [3]. These innovative technological aspects have recently allowed defining the novel paradigm of Smart WAter Network (SWAN) [3] referring to all water networks that implement on-line smart sensors and decision support systems.…”

“…Indeed, as known, the definition of DMA represents one of the most effective strategy [4,5] to simplify the control of real (physical) water losses obtained essentially with four actions: a) conducting pressure management, b) achieving active leakage control, c) improving the speed and quality of leak repairs, and d) increasing main replacement and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the definition of DMA also allows to reduce the risk of malicious or accidental contamination of a water supply network [2]. The network partitioning allows the activation of protection measures since it is possible to disconnect only some part of the network [2].…”

“…Furthermore, the definition of DMA also allows to reduce the risk of malicious or accidental contamination of a water supply network [2]. The network partitioning allows the activation of protection measures since it is possible to disconnect only some part of the network [2]. Finally, the definition of DMA allows monitoring the water demand and hydraulic performance for each district separately improving the system knowledge and, consequently, planning the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance.…”

Resilience Analysis in the Permanent Partitioning of a Water Distribution Network

“…The issue of how these metrics behave in the case of network partitioning (that is the creation of permanent District Meter Areas DMAs), instead, has not been thoroughly investigated. As is known, the division of a Water Distribution Network (WDN) into Nd DMAs or subsystems (clusters) simplifies and improves the following management aspects: water loss reduction, pressure management, active leakage control, maintenance of pipes and water quality, in terms of protection from intentional or accidental contaminations [9]. To take these advantages, it is necessary divide physically the network by closing many pipes and inserting flow meters in feeding pipes of DMAs.…”