Methodological Approaches for Estimating Coefficients of Variation in Drinking Water Networks: Integrative Review and Conceptual Model

Valdivia Chacón P.A.H. · Ingenieria y Universidad (2026) · DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.iued30.maec

Resumen

Objective: To analyze and compare the methods used to estimate daily (K₁) and hourly (K₂) variation coefficients in drinking water distribution networks and to identify technical criteria for their contextualized selection and operational application. An integrative review of the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted applying PRISMA criteria for the selection of the documentary corpus. A transition from deterministic models to approaches based on probability, hydraulic simulation, machine learning, and high-resolution data was identified. Peak demand depended on simultaneity consumption, spatial aggregation, temporal resolution, and user behavior. The use of artificial intelligence models increased predictive performance, although their effectiveness was conditioned by data availability and quality. Limitations associated with methodological heterogeneity and limited integration among approaches were also identified. Traditional K₁ and K₂ coefficients present limitations in representing the complexity of urban water demand. Future developments should advance toward dynamic approaches that integrate temporal variability, operational behavior, and high-resolution data analysis. Licencia Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo