Using criticality categories to evaluate water distribution networks and improve maintenance management

摘要: Abstract Deficient maintenance management of water distribution systems is an issue in many countries around the world. In northeast Brazil, losses during its has reached 42.7 %. Maintenance planning essential to improve efficiency a system. Therefore, framework was proposed that combines Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) with ELECTRE TRI-nC method sort areas into criticality categories order determine priorities for monitoring service. To provide global characterization, three are recognized: “Not critical,” “Moderately “Highly critical.” The applied real case study municipality located Brazil (Itamaraca/Pernambuco). This provides (i) managerial support decisions action company, (ii) formal structured knowledge about system, (iii) benefits society, such as improving quality service, reducing costs, preserving resources. Our demonstrates actions developing awareness -raising campaigns rational use water, installing pressure flow control valves establishing sectorization network system how managed.