UTILITIES 1

NOTES ON WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM – consists of the water service pipe, water supply lines, water distributing pipes
and the necessary branch pipes and fittings, valves, and all fixtures required for the supply of potable water.

3 types of piping for water supply:

a. House Service Pipe – contains the pipe connections from the public water main or any source of
water supply to the buildings served.
Parts:
1. WATER MAIN – the street main wherein the water supply pipe is connected
for public or community use.
2. CORPORATION STOP – a valve controlling the flow of water from the main
to the water service pipe.
3. CURB BOX – a vertical enclosure with a removable cover providing access
to a curb stop
4. CURB STOP – a control valve for shutting off water supply to a building in
case of emergency.
5. METER STOP – a valve for shutting off the flow of water or gas from a
supply pipe.

WATER PRESSURE – in plumbing, it is the normal force required to move the water inside a water supply
pipe.
STATIC pressure – existing pressure without any flow of motion of water.
NORMAL pressure – refers to the pressure range measured over a period of 24 hours.
Minimum water supply pressure = 103 kPa (15 psi)
Normal water supply pressure = 206 kPa – 275 kPa (30 psi – 40 psi)
Maximum water supply pressure = 551 kPa (80 psi)

For adequate pressure of the water supply:

a. below 103 kPa ----- provide a hydro-pneumatic pressure tank or an elevated tank and
booster pump to provide the necessary pressure.
b. Above 551 kPa ---- provide an approved type of pressure regulator or reducing valves

FRICTION HEAD LOSS – a loss in the rate of flow of water due to the variations in pressure
between the water and the walls of the pipe.
PRESSURE LOSS – loss in the rate of flow of water caused by the following:
a. Simultaneous use of water
b. Height or distance to which the water must flow
c. Fluctuations of water pressure in the water main
d. Mineral elements that clogs the interior of the pipe
e. Inadequate size of the pipe
f. Breakdown of lines or pumping unit.
TYPES OF WATER DISTRIBUTION
1. Normal Pressure from the Public Water Main
2. Overhead feed system (Downfeed or Gravity System)
3. Air Pressured Distribution system (Upfeed or Pneumatic water supply system)

OVERHEAD FEED SYSTEM – the water source is set at a height sufficient to maintain adequate supply
pressure throughout the supply distribution system by means of gravity.

Advantages:
1. Water distribution in the building is not affected by the peak load hour because of the water
stored inside the tank.
2.