WaterROUTE: A model for cost optimization of industrial water supply networks when using water resources with varying salinity

• Using regional brackish water resources to create supply networks. Variations in groundwater salinity over time were modeled at a high spatial resolution. The lowest cost network is determined while mixing of with different salinities considered. Small variations demand cause large differences the optimal costs. WaterROUTE model links modeling long term planning. Water users can reduce their impact on scarce freshwater by using more abundant or saline resources. Decentralized networks (WSN) connect these users. Here, we present (Water Route Optimization Utility Tool & Evaluation), which optimizes configurations based infrastructure investment costs considering quality (salinity) requirements user. We an example simulation determine WSN for values maximum allowed location supplying 2.5 million m 3 year -1 groundwater. data from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Netherlands. years 2030, 2045 and 2110 are generated simulated results show that small changes have significant effects configuration therefore For simulation, differ up 68% required site. be used design incorporate alternative sources such as local (this study), effluent, rainwater.