污染物传播模型可与水力模型耦合，用于模拟分配系统中发生的化学、生物和水力变化，并预测整个系统中污染物的时空分布。本文概述了污染物传播建模的研究和发展，并试图提供这些类型的模型已应用于配电系统水质管理的示例。水质建模可以解决与混合相关的水质问题；余氯；或干扰的影响，如线路中断、仪表维修或冲洗程序。讨论了一些研究，包括模型校准、储存对水质的影响、余氯测量和水质监测站的定位。 讨论了未来的研究领域。

Contaminant propagation models can be coupled with hydraulic models and used to model chemical, biological, and hydraulic changes that take place in the distribution system and to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of contaminants throughout the system. This paper presents an overview of contaminant propagation modeling research and development, and attempts to provide examples in which these types of models have been applied to managing water quality in distribution systems. Water quality modeling can address water quality problems related to blending; chlorine residual; or the effects of disturbances, such as a line break, meter repairs or flushing program. A number of studies, including those involving calibration of models, effect of storage on water quality, measuring chlorine residual, and locating water quality monitoring stations, are discussed. Areas of future research are discussed.