Probabilistic source characterization in water distribution systems with transient flows.

David Wagner

Abstract: 

Water system sensors are becoming increasingly more efficient and effective at discovering water 
quality changes in distribution systems.  This paper describes a method for determining the 
source of the water quality change.  We use publicly available software (EPANET) and a 
conditioning method to probabilistically locate a contamination source.  Prior work has shown 
that a similar method is effective for a simple distribution system with a steady-state flow 
field.  In this work, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in more complex 
distribution systems (i.e. containing tanks, valves, and/or pumps) under transient flow conditions.