A methodology is developed for designing the minimum-cost water distribution network. The method is based on network simulations and an optimization scheme using genetic algorithms. Being a stochastic optimization scheme, genetic algorithms have advantages over the conventional search algorithms in solving network problems known for their nonlinearities and herculean computational costs. While existing methods focus on the design of either entirely new or parallel augmentation of network systems, the proposed method can be applied to problems having both new branches of tree-type and paralle augmentation in loops. The applicability of the method was shown through a case study for Baekryeon water supply system. The optimized design resulted in the maximum 5.37% savings compared to the conventional design without optimization, while meeting the hydraulic constraints.