SWANP: A Comprehensive Tool for Optimized Water Network Clustering

Abstract Submission: The creation of District Metered Areas (DMAs) in water distribution networks is a widely used technique that enables utilities to monitor systems by dividing them into subsystems using flow meters and gate valves. This approach supports effectively water balance, pressure management, and contamination protection. The optimal design of DMA can be achieved with the useful of advanced algorithms and tools defining a partitioning process of a water distribution network that is arranged in two phases: clustering and dividing. The clustering, that can be also defined as topological partitioning, defines districts using algorithms such as graph algorithms, multilevel partitioning, and spectral clustering and not require hydraulic simulations. The dividing, defined also hydraulic partitioning, determines where valves and flow meters should be placed, using iterative or optimization techniques.
This research presents SWANP (Smart Water Network Partitioning and Protection), a cutting-edge software developed collaboratively by researchers, academic spin-offs, and water utilities. SWANP enables advanced hydraulic analysis using Pressure-Driven and Demand-Driven Analyses to optimize water distribution networks (WDN). It offers various partitioning options through a user-friendly GIS-based interface, providing utilities with accessible, automated solutions for network management. Beyond traditional hydraulic simulation, SWANP facilitates the strategic placement of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) and water quality sensors, enhancing network resilience and reducing contamination risks.
In this paper, an application of SWANP software for a preliminary topological partitioning is presented with reference to 33 real-world Italian water networks, showing improvements in partitioning strategies also without hydraulic simulations. Results indicate cost savings on flow meters and valve installations, along with better control of water distribution systems.
The developed software represents a major advancement in water network management, offering utilities innovative solutions for optimizing performance and ensuring sustainable, resilient urban infrastructure.

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