Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process to the Design of a Water Distribution System in Malawi

An efficient water network design is a balance between network cost, reliability, performance and appropriateness to the community. The application of the analytic hierarchy process and an array of reliability measures to the design of a water distribution network in a peri-urban area is described. Fieldwork was carried out to ascertain the relevant topographical, demographic and socio-economic data for the study area. In addition to the capital cost and performance indicators for the water distribution system, social and health-related issues were included in the design process. The results showed that a design with a high value of statistical entropy, reliability and redundancy would also have a higher cost. When the analytical hierarchy process was used to carry out a systematic assessment of the various trade-offs, the more expensive but reliable networks were determined to be more appropriate.