Water Age Clustering for Water Distribution Systems

This work presents an algorithm for water distribution systems water age clustering. The objective is to cluster a distribution system into water age sub-zones whose water age variability is minimized within each cluster. The algorithm stages are: (1) water age computation for each system node, (2) kick-off at a number of clusters equal to the number of nodes (i.e., each node initially acts as a cluster), (3) search for the two connected (by link) clusters which have the smallest absolute water age difference, and combine them into a single cluster; characterize their water age value as the weighted arithmetic mean of the two clusters, and (4) repeat step 3 until all nodes are lumped into a single cluster (i.e., the entire water distribution system). The algorithm thus spans all possible clusters starting from the total number of system nodes and up to a one cluster which holds the entire system layout. The model, through a clustering numbering trade-off, is demonstrated on a mid-size water distribution system.