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Abstract
A general mathematical programming algorithm is presented to optimise the total cost for the whole water network achieving total water coverage to all demand points in a water network with priority considering penalties associated with failure to meet the demand of two classes of consumers. The algorithm accommodates water leakages and pressure-driven demand and their effects on allocating water. Max-min ant system (MMAS) is used to solve the model using MIDACO 3.0 after interfacing MATLAB 7.0.4 and GAMS 23.9.4. The model is first solved using a particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm. MMAS proved to be an effective water network optimisation tool with priority evidenced in an analysis of the Bulawayo water network by a lower total cost, inclusive of penalties for failure to meet demand for senior priority water users, which is reduced by 25.4%.