Multivariate statistical analysis for water demand modelling: implementation, performance analysis, and comparison with the PRP model

Water demand is the driving force behind hydraulic dynamics in water distribution systems. Consequently, it is crucial to accurately estimate the actual water use to develop reliable simulation models. In this study, copula-based multivariate analysis was proposed and used for demand prediction for a given return period. The analysis was applied to water consumption data collected in the water distribution network of Palermo (Italy). The approach produced consistent demand patterns and could be a powerful tool when coupled with water distribution network models for design or analysis problems. The results were compared with those obtained using a classical water demand model, the Poisson rectangular pulse (PRP) model. The multivariate consumption data statistical analysis results were always higher than those of the PRP model but the copula-based method maintained the daily water volume of actual consumptions and provided maximum daily consumption that increased with the return period.