A Review of Scenario-Based Approaches in Water Systems Design

“For the design of water distribution networks (WDNs), a multitude of factors must be considered to achieve a resilient and robust system, given the long lifespan of these systems. Designers face challenges such as climate and demographic changes, fluctuating water demand, policy shifts, and evolving stakeholder preferences. Traditional models, including both deterministic and various stochastic approaches, often encounter difficulties when dealing with the profound uncertainties present in these variables. As a result, they frequently fail to predict long-term performance accurately. The recent literature has indicated a shift towards non-deterministic methods that embrace these uncertainties, especially through scenario generation techniques. In this paper, we delve into these alternative methodologies, specifically focusing on scenario generation techniques that effectively incorporate deep uncertainties into the design process of WDNs. We aim to identify, categorize, and analyze these methodologies, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement.
Finally, we also suggest new research directions for scenario-based planning in WDNs to improve their adaptability and resilience against uncertain futures.”

(Citation: Michalopoulos C, Vertommen I, Makropoulos C, Savic D. – A Review of Scenario-Based Approaches in Water Systems Design – Engineering Proceedings 69(2024)1, art. no. 57 – DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024069057- (Open Access))

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Joint Conference on Water Distribution Systems Analysis & Computing and Control for the Water Industry (WDSA/CCWI 2024))