The optimization of water distribution networks (WDNs) with the dual objectives of minimizing implementation costs and enhancing network reliability is a critical challenge in the planning, operation, and management of water supply systems. An optimal network design must satisfy hydraulic requirements while ensuring reliable service delivery under varying demand conditions and consumption fluctuations. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to minimize the implementation cost of water distribution networks while simultaneously satisfying hydraulic design constraints, meeting consumer demands, and improving network reliability. To achieve this objective, the performance of the selected optimization algorithm was first evaluated using four well-established benchmark water distribution network problems. Subsequently, the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed methodology were assessed through a real-world case study involving a section of the water distribution network of a city in Bushehr Province, Iran. In addition, network reliability was quantified using a Monte Carlo simulation framework. The benchmark problems consisted of: (I) a network with 5 nodes, 8 pipes, and a reservoir with a water surface elevation of 100 m; (II) a network comprising 7 nodes and 8 pipes; (III) a network containing 32 nodes and 34 pipes; (IV) a network consisting of 26 nodes, 34 pipes, 9 loops, and 2 reservoirs; (V) The real-world case study included a water distribution network section comprising 120 nodes, 153 pipes, and 34 loops. The optimization results obtained for the benchmark networks were compared with those reported in previous studies. The comparison demonstrated excellent agreement with the existing literature, confirming the accuracy, robustness, and effectiveness of the proposed optimization approach. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo simulation model was successfully implemented to evaluate the reliability performance of all investigated networks. The result