  This paper brings an in detail Genetic Algorithm (GA) based combinatorial
optimization method used for the optimal design of the water distribution
network (WDN) of Gurudeniya Service Zone, Sri Lanka. Genetic Algorithm (GA)
mimics the survival of the fittest principle of nature to develop a search
process. Methodology employs fuzzy combinations of pipe diameters to check
their suitability to be considered as the cost effective optimal design
solutions. Furthermore, the hydraulic constraints were implicitly evaluated
within the GA itself in its aim to reaching the global optimum solution. Upon
analysis, the results of this approach delivered agreeable design outputs. In
addition, the comparison made between the results obtained by a previous study
inspired by the Honey Bee Mating Optimization (HBMO) Algorithm and results
obtained by the GA based approach, proves competency of GA for the optimal
design of water distribution network in Gurudeniya Service Zone, Sri Lanka.
