Leaks Detection and Localization in Water Distribution Network Based on Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

This paper represents the initial steps in the development of a new system for leak detection and localization in the water distribution network. This system is based on wireless underground sensor networks. First, we start with determining an optimal location of leak control points in the water distribution network especially in areas which are difficult to control. Then, we move to the development of a distributed algorithm to detect and locate in real time the small and the large leaks in the water distribution system. This algorithm is accompanied by a data aggregation method which minimizes the amount of transmitted information and avoids false alarms. In addition, we present a new cross-layer method in order to optimize the performance of the underground wireless sensor network.