A graphical procedure for sensor-placement guidance for small utilities

Efforts to improve water security have led to the development of contamination warning systems aimed at providing early indication of accidental or intentional contamination in drinking water distribution systems. Sensors that detect changes in water quality are a critical component of a contamination warning system. Because the extent of any monitoring system is constrained by a limited budget, focus is placed on optimizing the placement of sensors to maximize contamination detection and protect human health. Robust models and algorithms have been developed to recommend sensor deployment, but many require hydraulic or water quality models. Small utilities typically do not possess the resources to develop these models; therefore, researchers for this study developed the Water Quality Sensor Placement Tool to recommend placement of one water quality sensor without a model or complicated algorithm. This simple graphical procedure allows utility managers to use basic information about the geometry of their network to determine near-optimal sensor placement in limited time without complicated software.