The cost optimization of piped water networks consists of choosing pipe diameters. Networks also consist of tanks that act as buffers between the source and demand nodes. Typically the tank configuration is done in an ad hoc fashion. It is therefore desirable to also include this tank configuration choice in the cost optimization. We explain why the choice of tank configuration is important in network design and describe a system called JalTantra that aids the designers of piped water networks.

In developed countries, a safe and adequate water supply is usually taken for granted. However, an estimated 700 million people worldwide still live without access to this basic service. In order to achieve universal water coverage by 2030, either global spending on water projects should increase, which is not easy as it stands now, or the cost of water supply systems should decrease. This paper discusses the development of appropriate pipe network design methods, or models, for the latter.