A Graphical Procedure for Sensor Placement Guidance for Small Utilities

Efforts to improve water security have led to the development of Contamination Warning Systems (CWS) aimed at providing early indication of contamination, accidental or intentional, in drinking water systems. Sensors that detect changes in water quality are a critical component. Because the extent of any monitoring system is constrained by a limited budget, focus is placed on optimizing the placement of sensors to maximize their ability to detect contamination and protect human health. Robust models and algorithms have been developed to recommend sensor deployment, but many require hydraulic/water quality models. Small utilities typically do not possess the resources to develop models, so this study developed a simple graphical procedure to recommend placement of one water quality sensor without a model or complicated algorithm. This method allows utility managers to utilize basic information about the geometry of their network to determine near optimal sensor placement in limited time without complicated