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A dependable and vital component of any microgrid network, relay coordination ensures that healthy feeders are effectively segregated from the faulty regions. When designing a microgrid, it's important to include in a protection mechanism that will keep the power components secure in case of a malfunction. Distributed generators in a microgrid might affect the fault current's polarity and amplitude. This study optimizes relay settings, reduces operating time, and adjusts the time dial on each relay to improve microgrid protection using an unique water cycle algorithm (WCA) inspired by natural evaporation rates. The IEC microgrid benchmark system is used to verify the suggested method, and the results are compared to the state-of-the-art. The suggested technique is shown to significantly enhance the microgrid's use of over-current relays and drastically cut the relays' total net running time.