Hierarchy of hydraulic and energy conservation actions at water supply systems

Water supply systems (WSS) in developing countries present high water loss and energy consumption rates, thus strategies for conservation of these resources are needed. The challenge is to define which strategies offer better results based on multiple criteria and on the different interests of the stakeholders involved. The objective of this study is to apply the decision support tool, named Water Supply Systems Management (WSSM), which uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process, to establish a hierarchy between the strategies. A case study was carried out in Curitiba, Brazil. Three strategies were selected: leak detection and correction, rational use of water, and the replacement of old water mains. These strategies were evaluated according to implementation cost, flow rate, energy consumption, and population coverage criteria. The leak detection and correction was ranked as the best option. The results of this study show this tool helps to devise guidelines for the efficient use of water and energy in the WSS.