Method for detecting anomalies in a fluid distribution network, comprising the following steps: - establishing, for the distribution network, a direct model comprising the following elements: ∘ structural data of the distribution network relative to the topography of said distribution network and comprising setpoints or status data of equipment of said distribution network, ∘ operational data relative to parameters chosen as primary input parameters describing an operational scenario, ∘ laws linking said structural data, the primary input parameters and primary output parameters; - executing the direct model by a hydraulic simulation engine to determine theoretical values of the primary output parameters; - before or after all or part of the above, obtaining measurements from data acquisition systems of the primary output parameters; - comparing the theoretical values with the measurements; - in the case where the comparison reveals at least one primary output parameter that is abnormal because of a significant deviation between theoretical value and measurement, establishing an inverse model comprising a minimization of a function of deviation between measurement and simulation at the measurement point, relative to a configurable set of parameters, the inverse model being derived from the direct model by introducing the at least one abnormal primary output parameter as a secondary input parameter of the inverse model, the secondary input parameter taking the measurement value as value, and the inverse model also comprising at least one secondary output parameter in addition to those of the primary output parameters which are retained; - executing the inverse model by the hydraulic simulation engine; - locating an anomaly of the distribution network from the execution of the inverse model. - establishing, for the distribution network, a direct model comprising the following elements: ∘ structural data of the distribution network relative to the topography of said distribution network and comprising setpoints or status data of equipment of said distribution network, ∘ operational data relative to parameters chosen as primary input parameters describing an operational scenario, ∘ laws linking said structural data, the primary input parameters and primary output parameters; ∘ structural data of the distribution network relative to the topography of said distribution network and comprising setpoints or status data of equipment of said distribution network, ∘ operational data relative to parameters chosen as primary input parameters describing an operational scenario, ∘ laws linking said structural data, the primary input parameters and primary output parameters; - executing the direct model by a hydraulic simulation engine to determine theoretical values of the primary output parameters; - before or after all or part of the above, obtaining measurements from data acquisition systems of the primary output parameters; - comparing the theoretical values with the measurements; - in the case where the comparison reveals at least one primary output parameter that is abnormal because of a significant deviation between theoretical value and measurement, establishing an inverse model comprising a minimization of a function of deviation between measurement and simulation at the measurement point, relative to a configurable set of parameters, the inverse model being derived from the direct model by introducing the at least one abnormal primary output parameter as a secondary input parameter of the inverse model, the secondary input parameter taking the measurement value as value, and the inverse model also comprising at least one secondary output parameter in addition to those of the primary output parameters which are retained; - executing the inverse model by the hydraulic simulation engine; - locating an anomaly of the distribution network from the execution of the inverse model.