Leak detection and localization in water distribution networks: Review and perspective

In this paper, leak detection and localization in water distribution networks will be reviewed. In particular, the paper presents the evolution of the methods from model-based towards data-based approaches, listing, describing and comparing the main and/or most recent methods of both categories. Besides, the practical applicability in real water utilities of different existing methods is discussed, outlining the advantages and limitations of model-based and data-driven methods for this task. A well-known case study is used to compare some of the more promising methods and illustrate their performances. Perspectives of the future evolution of the current existing methods are also provided.