Leaks and Water Use Representation in Water Distribution System Models: Finding a Working Equivalence

The challenge of water demand representation in water distribution systems is revisited with a brief exploration of the relationship between a pressure-dependent leak and a fixed legitimate demand. Specifically, the idea that a leak can be modeled as an increment to legitimate demand in such a way that it entails an equivalent impact on both water loss and energy consumption is explored. Conversely, the representation of demands as leaks is …