Utilizing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for decision making in water loss management of intermittent water supply systems

Abstract

Increasing water demands, in parallel with water scarcity, force water utilities in developing countries to follow complex operation techniques for the distribution of the available amounts of water. The reduction of water losses from water supply systems can help fill the gap between supply and demand. This strategy is characterized by the variety of options, and identification of the most appropriate option is a demanding process. An integrated multi-criteria decision making framework, precisely analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to prioritize water loss reduction options for a typical intermittent water supply network in Palestine. The AHP was applied to structure the decision problem into a hierarchy framework, and four groups of decision makers were engaged to evaluate the elements. The results show that the strategic plan, which comprises controlling and managing operational pressure, was the best option. The selection of this option was highly connected to the conditions of the case study and to the well-known advantages of this strategy to reduce losses. It is anticipated that the developed methodology will help water utilities to identify integrated water loss management plans that will guide utility managers to conduct better control for water losses.