1 Optimal cost design of water distribution networks using harmony search ZONG WOO GEEM ∗ Environmental Planning and Management Program, Johns Hopkins University 729 Fallsgrove Drive #6133, Rockville, MD 20850, USA Tel: 301-294-3893, Fax: 301-610-4950 Abstract This study presents a cost minimization model for the design of water distribution networks. The model uses a recently developed harmony search optimization algorithm while satisfying all the design constraints. The harmony search algorithm mimics a jazz improvisation process in order to find better design solutions, in this case pipe diameters in a water distribution network. The model also interfaces with a popular hydraulic simulator, EPANET, to check the hydraulic constraints. If the design solution vector violates the hydraulic constraints, the amount of violation is considered in the cost function as a penalty. The model was applied to five water distribution networks, and obtained designs that were either the same or cost 0.28 - 10.26% less than those of competitive meta-heuristic algorithms, such as the genetic algorithm, simulated annealing, and tabu search under the similar or less favorable conditions. The results show that the harmony search-based model is suitable for water network design. Keywords: Water distribution network; Harmony search; Meta-heuristic algorithm ∗ Corresponding author. Email: geem@jhu.edu