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This paper describes an integrated model-based monitoring framework for leakage localization in district-metered areas (DMA) of water distribution networks, which takes advantage of the availability of a hydraulic model of the network. The leakage localization methodology is based on the use of flow and pressure sensors at the DMA inlets and a limited number of pressure sensors deployed inside the DMA. The placement of these sensors has been computed using an optimal sensor placement method based on a Genetic Algorithm optimization, which integrates the direct modelling approach (simulation) used to identify the location of leaks. The application of the resulting monitoring framework in a certain DMA of the Barcelona distribution network is provided and discussed using simulated leakage scenarios. The obtained results show that leakage detection and localisation may be performed efficiently, reducing the required time for detection/localization, by following a simple procedure.

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