Strategic Options Development and Analysis to identify criteria to evaluate segmentation problems of a water distribution network

Due to ageing and depreciation of the water distribution network components, leaks and ruptures are common on the water network. These problems can cause the water loss, sometimes the water contamination and the discontinuity in water supply, due the supply interruption during the infrastructure repair, as well as reduction of available water in the system, causing the users to be dissatisfied. To perform maintenance is necessary to close part of the water distribution network and its process is called network segmentation. However, several aspects (criteria) must be evaluated for the efficient allocation of segmentation valves. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of the Strategic Options Development and Analysis to survey criteria to evaluate alternatives for segmentation of water distribution network.