Abstract
In many cities, sectorization projects of the drinking water distribution network have been implemented. This study provides a methodology to evaluate the efficiency of the sectors of a water distribution network by applying a data envelopment analysis weighted Russell directional distance (DEA-WRDD) model. This non-radial DEA model gives the overall efficiency of each unit of analysis, as well as each input, output, and undesirable output considered in the evaluation. The variables used in the analysis provide a multidisciplinary view: economic factors (covering costs), water quality parameters, and technical aspects. The empirical analysis was performed for the sectors of the water distribution network of the city of Valencia (Spain) for the year 2016. In this particular case, the results showed that approximately half of the sectors were efficient. The efficiency values of each variable indicate that the main challenges (faced by the water distribution company) were the optimization of maintenance costs and the reduction of leaks, both of which have an impact on the quality of the distributed water. So, the purpose of this article is to highlight the usefulness of efficiency analysis to help the decision making of managers of sectorized water distribution networks so that they can optimize the management.
Highlights
Competition between different water uses in many areas of developed countries exerts strong pressure on water resources, causing greater possibilities of suffering from scarcity situations
This is the case in the city of Valencia, where, as in the entire Mediterranean region, the problems associated with water resource scarcity generate significant tensions between the different uses of water
This study examines the efficiency of distribution networks, focusing on the sectors of the network, defining the DMUs as individual sectors of the distribution network using DEA–WRDDM
Summary
Competition between different water uses in many areas of developed countries (especially in cities) exerts strong pressure on water resources, causing greater possibilities of suffering from scarcity situations. Valencia constitutes a large, important urban area (it is the third most populous city in Spain) within the Jucar River Basin, in which agricultural demands represent a very important percentage (about 80%) For this reason, the urban area of Valencia, with a growing population and highly seasonal service activities, must compete for water resource use with an important agricultural area and a natural park, la Albufera [1]. The works consisted of the execution of the sectorization stations, the installation of valves to isolate these sectors from the rest of the distribution network, together with their corresponding pipes and connections, and a remote-control system.
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