WATER SUPPLY, SEWAGE SYSTEMS

AND WATER CONSERVATION

P R ES EN T ED TO : P RO F.D R . A M A L A B D O U
D R . YA S S ER EL - SAY ED
P R ES EN T ED BY: DI N A S HER I F EHAB TAHO U N
HA N A A K H A L A F N O U H A K AYA L I
M A R I A M H A M ZA N A D EEN A H M ED
YA S M INE M O H A M ED Z EI N A BA H ER
Content
1. Introduction
2. Water Supply
 Distribution Systems
 Water Storage
 Solar Water Heating
3. Sewage Systems
4. Water Conservation Techniques
 Domestic Use
 Landscape and Gardening
 Water Reuse and Recycling
WATER SUPPLY AND
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

3
Water Supply and Distribution System
Definition
Water is vital to everyday life, and throughout history people have devised systems to
make getting and using it more convenient. Early Rome had indoor plumbing, meaning
a system of aqueducts and pipes that terminated in homes and at public wells and
fountains for people to use.
Water Cycle
3 MAJOR STAGES
EVAPORATION
CONDENSATION
PRECIPITATION

Percentage of Water
 SOURCES OF WATER
Modern water supply systems get water from a
variety of locations.
including aquifers, lakes, rivers, wells, desalinated
seawater, and other sources.
The water is then purified.
RAIN WATER
Collected from roofs of buildings and special water
sheds and stored in cisterns or ponds.
ADVANTAGE
Water is soft & pure and is suitable for the hot water
supply system
DISADVANTAGE
Only a source during the wet season
Storage becomes a breeding place for mosquitoes
Roofs may not be clean
NATURAL SURFACE WATER
A mixture of surface run-off and ground water.
Surface sources includes rivers, lakes, ponds and
impounding reservoirs.
•Lakes, reservoirs, rivers
•Rivers dammed to create reservoirs
•Reservoirs store water during heavy rain/snow

ADVANTAGE
Usually easy to acquire and in large quantities.
Used for irrigation, industrial purposes and, when
treated, for community water supply.
DISADVANTAGE
Contains a large amounts of bacteria, organic, &
inorganic substances; Purification & treatment is
necessary
GROUND WATER
The portion of the rain water which has percolated into the
earth to form underground deposits called aquifers(water-
bearing soil formation).
ADVANTAGE
From springs and well sand is the principal source of water for
domestic use in most rural areas.
Usually has an abundant supply;
requires less treatment because of natural filtering.
DISADVANTAGE
May have organic matter & chemical elements usually

Aquifers (Groundwater)
•Primary source of drinking water
•Porous consolidated rock or
unconsolidated soil
•Groundwater fills spaces
•Wells and pumps
used to remove water
WELLS
Wells are holes in the earth from
which a fluid maybe withdrawn
using manual or mechanical means
such as draw bucket,pump,etc.
GENERAL TYPES OF WELL
DEEP WELL
SHALLOW WELL

With any water system it is important to

maintain a steady supply of water at a
steady pressure. Municipal water systems
will use pumping stations or water towers
which are large elevated water tanks.
Distribution System
USES OF WATER
USES OF WATER

• NOURISHMENT
• CLEANSING AND HYGIENE
• CEREMONIAL USES
• TRANSPORTATIONAL USES
• COOLING MEDIUM
• ORNAMENTAL ELEMENT
• PROTECTIVE USES
Plumbing cycle
Water Treatment
is any method that will remove one or more
materials that make the water unsuitable for a
given use

Amount of treatment depends on quality of

the source
Ground water requires less treatment than
surface water

The city of Salem water treatment facility withdraws

water from the North Santiam River.
WATER QUALITY PROBLEM AND THEIR CORRECTION
PROBLEMS CAUSE EFFECTS CORRECTION
1.Acidity Contains • Corrosion of non- Passing the water
carbondioxide ferrous Pipes through a bed of
• Rusting& clogging of crushed marble or
steelpipes limestone to achieve
alkalinity, or adding
sodium silicate.
2.Hardness Presenceof • Clogging of pipes • Boiling
magnesiumand • Impaired laundryand • Introduction of water
calciumsalts cooking softeners made up of
PROBLEMS CAUSE EFFECTS Zeolite
CORRECTION
3.Turbidity Siltormudin • Discoloration Filtration
surfaceorin • Bad taste
ground
4.Color Presence of Ironand Discoloration of Chlorination or
manganese fixtures ozonation and file
And laundry filtration
5.Pollution Contamination by Disease Chlorination
organic matter or
sewage
 Water Distribution System
Consists of water lines, fittings, valves,
service lines, meters, and fire hydrants
Loop system more desirable
than branch system LOOP BRANCH
SYSTEM SYSTEM
Isolation valves
Water flows in more than one direction
Typical new system pipe
Thermoplastic or ductile iron
Reinforced concrete in larger mains
Older system pipe
Cast-iron or asbestos cement
Household Water Requirement
Typical Usage: 50-100 gallons/person-day (drinking, bathing, laundry, toilet flushing,
dishwashing, cooking, etc.)
Well Flow Rate Requirement:
Minimum Acceptable Rate: 5 gpm
Preferred Rate: 10 gpm
Minimum Fire Protection Rate: 20 gpm

Use Flow Rate Volume per Use (gal.)

(gpm)
Washing Machine 5 20-35
Dishwasher 2 6-20
Shower/Bathtub 5 20-60
Toilet 3 1.6-5.0
Kitchen Sink 3 2-4
Water Softener Recharge 8 50-150
Various cold water system for building
•Upfeed System By normal water pressure
-Where the pressure in the water main is sufficient to distribute water throughout the entire building,
an upfeed system as shown in Figure 1 is used.
•Downfeed System (Gravity Feed System, Elevated Water Tank System) By gravity
-In an elevated water tank system, water is pumped from the water main to an elevated water
storage tank located above the highest and most hydraulically remote point in the water supply
system of the building.
•Pneumatic Direct Water System By air pressure
-Pneumatic Direct Water System are basically designed for provision of drinking water for high rise
buildings.The pressure in the main may not be sufficient to supply all the drinking water appliances
and a pneumatic water system is used to overcome this problem.
Upfeed System
ADVANTAGES:
Eliminates extra cost of pumps & tanks.

DISADVANTAGES:
1.Pressure from water main is inadequate to supply
tall buildings.
2.Water supply is affected during peak load hour.

Downfeed System
ADVANTAGES:
1.Water is not affected by peak load hour.
2.Not affected by power interruptions.
3.Time needed to replace broken parts does not affect
water supply.
DISADVANTAGES:
1.Water is subject to contamination.
2.High maintenance cost.
3.Occupies valuable space.
4.Requires stronger foundation and other structure to
carry additional load of tank and water.
WATER STORAGE FOR
DOMESTIC USE

OVERHEAD TANK/ GRAVITY SUPPLY TANK

Does not have any pressure concerns but relies
on gravity to supply water to fixtures below.
Use in overhead feed system
COMPONENTS
Supply Pipe
Inlet
Overflow Pipe
Drip Pan
Gate Valves
CISTERN
Usually built of reinforced concrete
underground and connected with a pump.
the tank Mustn’t be located
under the sewer pipes or
water unsuitable for drinking
PNEUMATIC WATER TANK
Used in the air pressure system and often used
with a pump.
Make use of pressure relieve valve to release
excess pressure if necessary.

HOT WATER TANK

Range Boiler
•Small hot water tank (30-60 cm diameter; 180cm
max length)
•Made of galvanized steel sheet, copper or stainless
steel
•Standard working pressure limit is 85 to 150 psi
Storage Boiler
•Large hot water tank (60-130 cmin diameter; 5m max
length)
•Made of heavy duty material sheets applied with
rust proof paint
•Standard working pressure limitis 65 to 100 psi.
Distribution System
The water that comes into our homes is cool
fresh water. Once inside certain fixtures and
appliances will need this cold water. But we
also need hot water for bathing, clothes and
dish washing, etc. We use a water heater to
heat the water then distribute it to where it is
needed.
Once inside the home or building the supply
systems may be installed with branch circuits
in series or in parallel, or a combination of
both. The manner of distribution affects
pressure, rate of flow, and how long it takes for
hot water to reach a particular appliance. The
ideal for water flow is to have shorter paths.
Pipes distributing system

Single-feeding

T-piece system
Pipes distributing system
Water demand depends on:
• Type of building & its function
• Number of occupants, permanent or
transitional
• Requirement for fire protection systems
• Landscape & water features
Typical appliances using the cold water
• WC cistern, wash basin, bath, shower, sink
• Washing machine, dishwasher
• Urinal flushing cistern
Valves And Controls
We control the water in our homes through a variety of valves. In a municipal system
every home has a water main shutoff valve. This valve is owned by the city/town and can
be shutdown if there is trouble with water in the building or if your bill is not paid!
FUNCTION OF VALVES
Within the home itself it is important to have valves placed at strategic locations.
This will ensure that if one part of the system needs to be shut down the other parts can
still function.
Control of the water system
-Start or shut down a system
-Regulate pressure
-Check backflow
-Control the direction of water

TYPES OF VALVES
GATE VALVE (Full-way Valve)
Used mainly to completely close or completely
open the water line (does not control flow of
water).
The gate valve uses a screw mechanism
that puts a gate in place to shut off the
water supply.
GLOBE VALVE

Controls the flow of water with a movable spindle.

Can reduce water pressure (throttling).

CHECK VALVE
Main function is to prevent reversal of flow
(backflow) in the line.
ANGLE VALVE
Used to make a 90°turn in a line.
FOOT VALVE
Located at the lower end of the pump. Used
mainly to prevent loss of priming of the pumps.
SAFETY VALVE
Used on water systems, heating systems,
compressed airlines &other pipelines with
excessive pressure.
TYPES OF FAUCETS
Since different people like different water temperatures and certain appliances need different
temperatures of water we adjust the water temperature through the use of valves called
faucets. The faucet allows us to mix the hot and cold water to obtain the temperature we want.

COMPRESSION COCK
Operates by the compression of a soft packing
upon a metal sheet.

KEY COCK
Operates with a round tapering plug ground to
fit a metal sheet.
BALL FAUCET
Constructed with a ball connected to the
handle.

Battery and AC powered commercial,

bathroom, handsfree sensor operated faucets
TYPES OF FAUCETS
ES Pipe Waterwheel
it’s a simple system that allows you to generate
energy every time you turn on the tap. The
Pipe Waterwheel is designed to be installed
inline with existing pipes, and it uses the flow
of water to turn a set of mini energy-
generating turbines.

Faucets for water saving

 Pipe materials
steel
Galvanized steel potable water supply and
distribution pipes are commonly found with nominal pipe
sizes from 3/8" to 2". It is rarely used today for new
construction residential plumbing.
Galvanized steel is relatively expensive, and difficult to
work with due to weight and requirement of a pipe
threaded.
Most typical single family home systems won't require
supply piping larger than 3/4" due to expense as well as
steel piping's tendency to become obstructed from
internal rusting and mineral deposits forming on the
inside of the pipe over time once the internal galvanizing
zinc coating has degraded. In potable water distribution
service, galvanized steel pipe has a service life of about 30
to 50 years.
Copper
Copper pipe and tubing was widely used for
domestic water systems in the later half of the
twentieth century. In the early twenty-first
century, the rising price of copper drove a shift
to plastic pipes for new construction.
Plastics
PVC
 PVC due to non-corrosive in nature and unaffected by chemicals, electrolytic and ironic
corrosion can stay for very long time than other pipes which impart it with high corrosion
resistance.
PVC pipes have a smoother bore than all other pipes (AC, CI, GI pipes) thereby the flow rate
in PVC pipes is more than 30 per cent higher than the rest of pipes.
PVC pipes are perfect for transporting potable drinking water as they do not subject to
contamination as they are completely odourless and hygienic.
PVC pipes have self-extinguishing properties, which thereby eliminates the need for fire
resistant coatings.
PVC pipes require no maintenance such as painting and coating etc.
PVC pipes are having a high chemical resistance therefore they can resist to all kinds of
acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, oils and domestic effluents.
Resistant to rusting, chemical reactions and free from scale formation hence PVC pipes
lasts for life time.
PVC pipes are the most cost effective as they are cheap than all other kinds of pipes which
make them most economical and light in weight to carry.
• Pipe materials
• Plastics
• CPVC
CPVC pipe has a number of features that
make it an improvement over standard PVC
piping. It offers greater heat resistance,
withstanding corrosive water temperatures
between 70°F and 90°F higher than PVC.
CPVC is non-toxic, while PVC may leech
toxins into water
at increased temperatures. CPVC also offers
greater strength and flexibility, while PVC is
far less ductile.

CPVC pipe has become a modern standard for water supply and liquid lines because of
its cost saving benefits over metal piping. It is less expensive than copper piping and
materials, as well as being lighter, making it faster and easier to install, saving on labor
costs. The thermal conductivity of copper pipe is 2500 times greater than CPVC pipe,
meaning it provides significant energy savings while keeping water hotter longer
Plastics
PP _ Polypropylene Piping System_
Manufactured from PP-RCT high crystallinity resin
Fiberglass layer adds strength and insulation
Pipes reduce thermal expansion by up to 70%
Pipes are 17% thinner but maintain pressure ratings
3 classes of pipe:
CT-Red for higher-temperature applications such as hot potable water distribution
CT-White for non-potable water applications such as cooling towers & chilled water, industrial
cooling water & plant water, and geothermal & hydronics
CT-Blue for ambient temperature application such as cold potable water distribution
Available in ½” to 20” diameters
Highly resistant to stress cracking & oxidative failure
Wide selection of electrofusion, butt fusion, and socket fusion equipment
Plastics
PE _ Polyethylene Piping System_
1. Outer layer On the one hand this layer impresses with high mechanical strength, while on the other hand
it is extraordinarily flexible. The high creep resistance supports the suitability for pressing.
2. Mid-outer layer A special POLOPLAST-compound (improved PE-RT) in this layer increases the long-term
strength of the pipe.
3. Intermediate layer This layer forms the light barrier and prevents exposure to light in instances where
pipes are laid in an open pit, which promotes algae growth in the pipe.
4. Mid-inner layer In this layer too, the special POLOPLAST-compound used improves the long-term strength
of the pipe.
5. Inner layer The specially developed POLOPLAST-compound not only reduces the thermal ageing of this
layer, it also prevents embrittlement, improves the stability and increases the ruggedness. The special
processing of thematerials in the course of production results in the superfinish of the interior surface,
ensuring superior hydraulic smoothness.
 Pipe materials
Plastics
Floor-level distribution
made of flexible pipes
Friction In Water Supply
Friction – when alluded to in the plumbing
system, refers to the resistance produced by
the flowing water with the fittings and interior
surface of the pipe.
In water supply distribution, Friction is also
defined as the resistance between the
molecules of water.

Friction Minimized:
1. All water pipes should be installed straight and direct as possible.
2. The use of turns, offsets and traps should be minimized if cannot be avoided.
3. A pipe with plain and smooth surface should be preferred.
4. The use of fittings, stops and other devices connected to the distribution lines should be
minimized.
5. All fittings and joints must be properly connected.
Solar Water Heating
Clean Energy provides Hot
Water for demostic and
industrial use
Solar Water Heating
a. flat-plate solar collector
b. expansion tank
c. pump
d. controller
e. storage tank
f. main supply
g. water heater
h. hot water for house
Solar Water Heating
What do SWH systems provide?

Domestic Hot Water

Process Heat
Swimming Pool Heating

Housing Development, Kungsbacka, Sweden Conference Centre, Bethel, Lesotho

Solar Water Heating
Components of SWH Systems
Unglazed Solar Collectors
Advantages
•Low cost
•Low temperature
•Rugged
•Lightweight
•Seasonal pool heating
Disadvantages
• Low pressure
• Poor performance in cold or windy
weather
 Glazed Flat Plate Solar
Collectors

Advantages
•Moderate cost

•Higher temperature operation

•Can operate at mains water pressure

Disadvantages
•Heavier and more fragile
 Evacuated Tube Collectors

Advantages
•No convection losses
•High temperature
•Cold climates

Disadvantages
•Higher cost
•Fragile
•Installation
can be more
complicated
Solar Water Heating Project Considerations
Factors for successful projects:
◦ Large demand for hot water to reduce importance of fixed costs
◦ High energy costs (e.g. natural gas not available)
◦ No reliable conventional energy supply
◦ Strong environmental interest by building owner/operator

Daytime hot water loads require less storage

Lower cost, seasonal systems can be financially preferable to higher-cost year-round
systems
Maintenance similar to any plumbing system, but operator must be committed to timely
maintenance and repairs
Domestic Hot Water Systems
On-grid, need a committed homeowner
◦ Can have long payback when energy prices are low
◦ Systems provide 20 to 80% of hot water
Thermosiphon System, Australia
Off-grid or where the energy supply is unreliable

Homes, Malmö, Sweden House for Medical Staff in Rural Area, Botswana
Swimming Pool Systems
Low-cost unglazed collectors
◦ Summer pools in cold climates
◦ Extend the season in warm climates
◦ For summer use on a year-round pool in
cold climates
◦ Can have 1 to 5-year paybacks

Glazed collectors for heat year-

round
Filtration system serves as pump
Pool system, Canada
Commercial/Industrial Hot
Water Systems
Hotels/motels, apartments and office
buildings
Health centres & hospitals
Car washes, laundromats, restaurants
Sport facilities, schools, shower
facilities
Aquaculture, other small industry

Aquaculture Operation,
British Columbia, Canada
SANITATION SYSTEM&
TECHNOLOGIES

49
1 - Physical aspects :
• Availability of space.
• Groundwater level.
• Water availability.
• Climate (temperature, rainfall).
• Ground conditions (rock, sand, loam, ...).

50
1 - Physical aspects :
•1- How to design a sanitation system :
•Identify the types of products that are generated
•Select the most appropriate system templates
•Select the specific technologies for each product for each process in
each of the system templates identified
• Select the most site-specific system option based on the social,
economic, and resource aspects.

51
2- Criteria influencing the
selection of sanitation systems :
2- Political & institutional aspects:
• Regulations and standards
• Organizational setup and responsibilities
• Political will and support
• Bureaucracy
3-Financial & economical aspects :
• Availability of local skills, manpower &
resources
• Availability of local materials and tools
• Affordable technology
• Willingness to pay and
• Appropriate service level
• Operation and maintenance
• Availability of credits and loans
52
 2- Criteria influencing the
selection of sanitation systems :
4-Financial costs:
• Cost relevant only for individual ,household, enterprise or institution.
• Cost shaped to allow accounting and comparison of treatment plants
and management systems.

53
3-Potential of decentralized
sanitation systems

54
4- sanitation systems link :

55
4- sanitation systems link :

56
Collection and storage /
treatment technologies
Septic Tank
•sedimentation tank in which settled sludge is partially stabilised by
anaerobic digestion
•most frequent onsite treatment unit worldwide,Consists of 2 to 3
compartments.
•simple, little space required because of being underground
•low Operational &Maintence costs
• high investment costs

57
Collection and storage /
treatment technologies
Anaerobic baffled reactor (baffled septic tank)

•Improvement of a septic tank

• Treatment efficiency: 65 to 90% COD removal
•simple, high treatment efficiency, hardly any blockage
•high removal efficiencies, also for suspended and dissolved solids
•construction and maintenance more complicated than conventional
septic tank

58
Conveyance technologies
Motorized emptying & transport
Difficulty in manoeuvring (vehicle size, traffic congestion,
infrastructure
Simplified sewers
sewers laid inside housing blocks or under pavements

59
 Semi-centralised treatment
technologies
Constructed wetlands

• high space requirement, costly (gravel), great care required during

construction
• high treatment efficiency (up to 95% COD removal), no nuisance of
odour, high nutrient removal
60
 Semi-centralised treatment
technologies
Waste stabilization ponds

•Potential for bad odours if poorly designed

•-Requires expert design and supervision
• Requires a lot of space
•Ideal for developing countries if enough space and supervision available !
61
Wastewater disposal technologies
Leach fields
system of trenches that is used to dissipate the effluent from a septic
tank for discharge of non-solid septic tank effluent

little maintenance required Space and skills required !

62
Wastewater disposal technologies
Soak pits
covered, porous-walled chamber that allows water to slowly
soak into the ground. for non-solid septic tank effluent

•simple and cheap

• little space required
• not adequate for shallow ground water table (>1.5 m)
•not adequate in clay or rocky soils
•Between 1.5 and 4 m deep

63
WATER CONSERVATION
TECHNIQUES

64
Water Conservation
Conserving water in buildings shows you how you can
reduce the amount of water you use, not only saving water
and the natural environment but also saving money.
 Water Conservation Strategies
There are a number of strategies that can be employed to reduce the
amount of water consumed at a facility. In general terms, these methods
include:

Water Conservation
Strategies

Water Water
System
Conservation Reuse/Recycling
Optimization
Measurements Systems

http://www.wbdg.org/resources/water_conservation.php
WATER CONSERVATION
TECHNIQUES
SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

67
 Domestic Water Use
- Domestic water is normally characterized by its use inside and outside the home: washing the
dishes, cooking a meal, laundry, bathing, watering the lawn or garden, and other household
activities.
- In a typical home , approximately 50% of water is used in the bathroom. The toilet makes up
26%, while the shower and sink use 23%. Outside of the house, 35% of water use is for lawn or
garden care.

water use inside of a home

68
System optimization
Toilets and Urinals
Toilet and urinal flushing typically account for nearly one-third of a
building's total water consumption.

http://www.wbdg.org/resources/water_conservation.php
 Toilets
Volume Adjusters ‐ Reduce the amount of water used for each flush.

Hippos: free from regional water companies. They reduce the flush volume by 3 litres and
are only suitable for use in older style cisterns.

Save a Flush: a one litre volume adjuster Use as many as you need to reduce the volume
whilst maintaining effective flushing.

Plastic bottles: part filled with water and a little sand, these make effective and no cost
volume reducers.
 Toilets
Flush Mechanisms :
Dual Flush: a choice of two flush volumes – usually 6 and 4 litres. Needs
clear labelling to avoid confusion and misuse.

Variable Flush: cheap and easy to fit but not always very robust or reliable.

Interruptible Flush: allows the user to stop the flush by releasing the lever
when the pan is clear.
 Urinals
Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR): motion sensor placed near the
urinals. Flushing only occurs when use is detected. A ‘hygiene
flush’ occurs once every 24 hours regardless of use.
Waterless urinal systems: a small block containing millions of
naturally occurring microbes that eliminate odour‐producing
bacteria. Used without any water in conjunction with a daily
cleaning of the bowl and surrounding area with a microbial
cleaner

The Waterless Company Waterless Urinal

and American Standard ULF Toilet

http://www.wbdg.org/resouarces/water_conservation.php
 Washroom and Bathroom Taps

- Operating taps can account for up to 25% of ‘domestic’ water

use in.

Tap Aerators: simple devises that fits into existing tap nozzles
and mix air with water under pressure as it emerges from the
tap. The apparent flow rate is not affected.

Flow Restrictor: fitted into the supply line, these look like
standard screwdriver‐operated shut off valves. They can reduce
flow rates by up to 10 liters per minute.
 Washroom and Bathroom Taps

Electronic sensor taps : sensor on underside of spout activates flow

when hands are placed under the tap.

Self Closing Taps: when the user removes their hand from the tap,
the pressure generated inside the tap forces the tap up.

Electronic sensor taps

Self Closing Taps
 Showers

Shower aerators: allow air to mix with water in the shower head. The
water expands on exit and produces a powerful shower with a much
reduced flow rate. Not suitable for use with low pressure systems.

Push button shower: not suitable for guest bedrooms, but could be
installed in swimming pools and sports areas. The shower length is
controlled mechanically and can be regulated during installation.
WATER CONSERVATION
TECHNIQUES
LANDSCAPE

76
 Xeriscape
Definition: Is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are
susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is
practiced. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning "dry," the term means
literally "dry landscape."

http://landscaping.about.com/cs/lazylandscaping/g/xeriscape.htm
 Xeriscape
The seven principles of Xeriscape :
• Planning and Design
• Soil Analysis
• Practical Turf Areas
• Appropriate Plant Selection
• Efficient Irrigation
• Use of Mulches
• Appropriate Maintenance

http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102-144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
 Xeriscape
1. Planning and Design
a) Draw a base plan of our
yard with the existing
conditions
b) Consider the amount of
money we want to spend
to complete this garden,
and the maintenance.
c) Create zones of high,
medium, and low water
use so that we group
plants with similar needs
together in beds

http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102-144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, 2008, Facility Manager’s Guide to WaterManagement. Version 2.7 [online].
Available from:www.amwua.org/business_library.html. [Accessed: 23-4-2014]
 Xeriscape
Plants that are in high water zones can be placed in front and close to
the house. Also they can be placed in low-lying drainage areas or in the
shade of other plants.
Drought-tolerant plants can be better collected on the side of
prevailing winds, providing shelter for less tolerant plants

http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102-144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
 Xeriscape
2. Soil Analysis:
Determine whether soil improvement is needed for better water
absorption and improved water-holding capacity.
Spread a layer of organic matter 7.6-10 cm thick on the surface of the
soil to be improved and then thoroughly incorporate the organic matter
into the existing soil.
Incorporating organic matter is not necessary for large turf grass areas
and native plants and is not economically feasible.

http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102-144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
 Xeriscape
3. Turf Alternatives
Reduce the amount of turf in your landscape
Native or low-water-use plants
Patios, decks or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water.

http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/Xeriscape_and_Beyond.pdf
 Xeriscape
4. Plant Selection
Choose plants that they are in
balance with the natural
environment and are adapted
to the region’s soil and
climate.

http://www.aensiweb.com/jasr/jasr/2013/4097-4113.pdf
 Xeriscape
5. Efficient Irrigation
Can save 30 to 50% on our water
bill.
Sprinklers irrigation :
For grass, low-pressure, low-angle
Drip irrigation :
Increased watering efficiency and
plant performance
The best time to water is
between 9 p.m and 9 a.m.

http://www.aensiweb.com/jasr/jasr/2013/4097-4113.pdf
http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, 2008, Facility Manager’s Guide to WaterManagement. Version 2.7
[online]. Available from:www.amwua.org/business_library.html. [Accessed: 23-4-2014]
 Xeriscape
6. Use of Mulches
Conserves water
Reduces the weed population
Prevents soil compactions
Keeps soil temperature more moderate
Gives a look of visual appeal
Mulches can be organic materials such as pine
bark, compost and woodchips or inorganic
materials such as lava rock, limestone or
permeable plastic, a non-plastic sheet.

http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Nature-Centre/Documents/XeriscapeBrochure_CityofLethbridge.pdf
http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102-144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
 Xeriscape
7. Appropriate Maintenance
Xeriscape reduces maintenance costs by 50%
The first year or two, the landscape will require a fair amount of weeding

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/other/landscaping/ec672_xeriscape.pdf
 Water Reuse and Recycling
Many facilities have water use requirements that may be met with non-
potable water. Using non-potable water to meet these requirements
can result in significant water and dollar saving
There are four general strategies that can be employed for utilizing
reused or recycled water.

Rainwater catchment system with cisterns at

Planters delivering gray water at the Society for the
Philip Merrill Environmental Center, Annapolis,
Protection of New Hampshire Forests
Maryland
http://www.wbdg.org/resources/water_conservation.php
WATER CONSERVATION
TECHNIQUES
WATER REUSE AND RECYCLING

90
 Water Recycling Strategies
1. On-site water reuse or recycling: this process relies on reusing water from
the same purpose at the same location.
2. Reclaimed/treated water: this non-potable water resource is developed
by treating used water to wastewater treatment standards and then
redistributed for on-site use.
3. Gray water: this resource is derived from water captured from uses such
as showers, baths, sinks, and laundries (excluding diaper washing and food
processing) and then filtered to remove solids.
4. Water catchment systems: this resource includes non-potable water
captured from rainwater sources or from rivers, lakes, ponds, and wells
that have not been treated to meet potable standards.

http://www.wbdg.org/resources/water_conservation.php
 On-Site Water Treatment
The appropriate wastewater treatment system will depend
on the site, the required capacity, and compliance
requirements.

http://www.level.org.nz/fileadmin/downloads/Water_Use/LevelDiagram69.pdf
 On-Site Water Treatment
Site Consideration
Site features that must be considered when designing a wastewater
disposal system:
Is the water table high or low?
Does the land become saturated during periods of high rainfall?
What area of land is available for the system?
What is the soil’s ability to absorb moisture, e.g. is the subsoil clay,
sand, loam etc?

http://www.level.org.nz/water/wastewater/on-site-wastewater-treatment/designing-
an-on-site-wastewater-treatment-system/
 On-Site Water Treatment
System capacity
Allow for a daily output of 200 litres per person when designing a
system.
It must also be able to retain the total flow for at least of 24 hours.
The system should also have enough capacity for 3–5 years of sludge at
the following rates:
 For blackwater and greywater – 80 litres per person per year
 For blackwater only (where there is separate greywater
system) – 50 litres per person per year
 For greywater only – 40 litres per person per year.

http://www.level.org.nz/water/wastewater/on-site-wastewater-treatment/designing-an-on-site-
wastewater-treatment-system/
 On-Site Water Treatment Systems
1. Alternate Individually Designed Composting Toilet
Composting and dry toilets use natural processes to turn human excreta into
a valuable soil amendment. They typically use no water, or very little water in
commercial scale applications.

http://greywateraction.org/content/about-composting-toilets
 Alternate Individually Designed
Composting Toilet
Guidelines:
The material should be left to compost in
isolation.
The toilet needs a flow of fresh air.
 A composting toilet should not be too
wet.
 The rate of decomposition is a
combination of temperature and time: the
hotter the compost pile, the more quickly
the process happens
 Ash or lime is mixed with soil and added
to create a dehydrating environment for
breakdown and die off of pathogens.

http://greywateraction.org/content/about-composting-toilets
 On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
2. Alternate Peat Based System
Consists of an aerobic or septic tank, followed by a peat filter
and an absorption area

http://www.water-research.net/pdf/alterguidance.pdf
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/448/448-407/448-407_pdf.pdf
On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
A septic tank, performs primary treatment.
Effluent from the septic tank is directed by gravity through a distribution box.
It reaches an absorption field which contains multiple soil absorption lines to
disperse effluent into the soil.

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/448/448-407/448-407_pdf.pdf
 On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
The septic tank encourages the heavier solids to settle to the bottom of
the tank and the lighter scum to float to the surface.
Each absorption line is laid out with a low pitch

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/septic-systems/at-grade-and-shallow-at-grade-on-lot-systems
http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/pdf/septic_guide.pdf
On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
3. Free Access Gravity Sand Filter System Option
This system involves treatment of septic tank or aerobic tank effluent
using a gravity sand filter, with final treatment and disposal using one of
the following options:
A. An at-grade absorption area
B. An alternate drip irrigation system
Can not be installed on sites where there is a rock limiting zone closer to
the soil surface than 40 cm, or where there is a seasonal high water table
closer to the soil surface than 25 cm.
 On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
A. At-Grade and Shallow At-Grade On-Lot Systems
The at-grade system has four major components:
A treatment tank
A secondary treatment filter unit (if required)
A dose tank
At-grade soil absorption area constructed on the soil surface

Schematic of an At-Grade System.

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/septic-systems/at-grade-and-shallow-at-grade-on-lot-systems
 On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
When the limiting zone is greater than 50 cm 1
below the land surface.
The wastewater is dosed to a bed-type
absorption area.
The absorption area is a pair of pipes located in
a bed of aggregate placed on the soil surface
after the soil has been chiseled across the
slope.
When the limiting zone is less than 50 cm
below the land surface.
The wastewater is dosed to a trench-type
absorption area.
Only one pipe is used and the elevated area is 2
smaller. The trenches may not overlap each
other on a sloping area.
1- http://www.dingmantownship.org/SewageForms/SewPampChoose.pdf
2http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/Wastewater%20Management/WastewaterPortalFiles/SewageandDisposal/OnlotAlternateTechnologyReferen
ces/DEP%20Course%20341%20At-Grade%20Absorption%20Area.pdf
On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
B. Drip irrigation system
Utilize a hydraulic unit, dosing tank, and drip tubes. The system has three
big advantages.
1. The drip tubes are completely buried
2. There is very little digging.
3. The tubing may be laid in a myriad of shapes allowing the system to
be sited in areas that may otherwise not permit a system to be
sited.

http://www.dingmantownship.org/SewageForms/SewPampChoose.pdf
 On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
4. Constructed Wetlands (Distribution System )
These are engineered wetland systems used to treat septic tank effluent.
The wetlands use a combination of soil, microorganisms and plants to
naturally treat wastewater. There are two main types of wetland
systems:
A. Free Surface Flow
B. Subsurface Flow wetlands.

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/septic-systems/a-lexicon-for-
alternate-on-site-wastewater-treatment-systems
 On-Site Water Treatment
Systems
Free Surface Flow Subsurface Flow

Exposed water surfaces Water surface is not exposed to the

Looks and acts like a natural marsh area. atmosphere.
The plants in the wetland, such as bull rush The wetlands reduce odor and standing
and cattails, are chosen for their filtration water for the breeding of mosquitoes.
capabilities.
There is a soil layer at the bottom of the
wetland that helps to treat the wastewater, as
a soil absorption system.

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/septic-systems/a-lexicon-for-
alternate-on-site-wastewater-treatment-systems
 References
• http://www.propelair.com/propelair-img/references/Conserving_Water_in_Buildings.pdf
• http://seattletimes.com/html/homegarden/2009306402_zhom06plumber.html
• http://www.armstrongpumps.com/data/otherinfos/links/01_03_004/chapter_8.pdf
• http://www.wbdg.org/resources/water_conservation.php
• http://texaswater.tamu.edu/conference/feb05/radnovich.pdf
• http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/other/landscaping/ec672_xeriscape.pdf
• http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0603102 144115/unrestricted/Georgiou_thesis.pdf
• http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Nature
Centre/Documents/XeriscapeBrochure_CityofLethbridge.pdf
• Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, 2008, Facility Manager’s Guide to WaterManagement. Version
2.7 [online]. Available from:www.amwua.org/business_library.html. [Accessed: 23-4-2014]
• http://www.aensiweb.com/jasr/jasr/2013/4097-4113.pdf
• http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/Xeriscape_and_Beyond.pdf
• http://texaswater.tamu.edu/conference/feb05/radnovich.pdf
 References
• http://www.level.org.nz/fileadmin/downloads/Water_Use/LevelDiagram68.pdf
• http://www.level.org.nz/water/wastewater/on-site-wastewater-treatment/designing-an-
on-site-wastewater-treatment-system/
• http://greywateraction.org/content/about-composting-toilets
• http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2Q9WgOPCLF315jOE1zNGfxPMAKU6jw0zW
7kvaigM8LhmGZve4QQ
• http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/448/448-407/448-407_pdf.pdf
• http://extension.missouri.edu/p/EQ401
• http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/pdf/septic_guide.pdf
• http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/septic-systems/at-grade-and-shallow-
at-grade-on-lot-systems
• http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/Wastewater%20Management/WastewaterPortalFiles/S
ewageandDisposal/OnlotAlternateTechnologyReferences/DEP%20Course%20341%20At-
Grade%20Absorption%20Area.pdf
 References
•High Commission for the Development of Riyadh website
•Fine flow plastic industries – rigid pvc pipes
•Polystar™ Polypropylene Piping System from Orion
•CENTRIFUGAL PUMP SYSTEMS Jacques Chaurette p. eng.
•The Groundwater Foundation
•RETSceen international Solar Water Heating Project Analysis