AWWA ACE58279

As part of the fifth largest water system in North America, the City of Toronto, Ontario supplies water to 3.3 million consumers within the City and a large portion of the rapidly developing Region of York to the north. In order to determine the long-term capability of the joint Toronto/York water infrastructure to efficiently supply its consumers, the two municipalities conducted a far-reaching and technologically advanced study. Central features of the study were development and calibration of a hydraulic water distribution model and optimization of infrastructure requirements using genetic algorithm (GA) technology. Advanced modeling techniques included model development using state of the art software, extended period simulation (EPS), the use of Automated Spatial Demand Allocation (ASDA) GIS tools for water demand allocation and pump performance reviews using thermometric pump testing. The project included: selection of hydraulic modeling software; development of a water demand forecasting and conservation model; forecasting demands to the year 2031; hydraulic model development; continuous flow/pressure monitoring; supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) acquisition; model calibration and optimization of infrastructure requirements using the GA techniques. The hydraulic model will be an integral tool for the City and Region to conduct further applications in operations, energy management and water quality modeling. The optimization process summarized existing infrastructure expandability, alternative infrastructure locations and water supply source options. GA model simulations identified optimal system expansion strategies. The result is a true picture of the joint capabilities of the Toronto and York systems and efficient long term planning opportunities for both the City of Toronto (with its older established infrastructure) and the Region of York (with its newer infrastructure and rapidly expanding consumer base) to meet the combined needs of their consumers in a cost effective and efficient manner. Includes 4 references, figures.