12.

4 WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Water supply systems are networks whose edges and nodes are pressure pipes and either pipe junctions, water sources or
end-users, respectively. Their function is to provide end-users with potable water with a sufficient pressure level.

What are the types of water supply systems?

The water distributed via municipal water supply systems should reach the end-user with sufficient pressure and flow
rates. In order to achieve this, four main water distribution system types are used:
GRID IRON SYSTEMS
In grid iron systems, the main water supply line goes through the central part of the area, while sub mains branch out
perpendicular to the main line. This system has no dead-ends, as all of the individual pipes are interconnected. This type
of water supply system is great for cities that have a rectangular layout that resembles a gridiron.

RING SYSTEMS
Circular or ring systems feature a supply main that forms a circle or ring around the area of distribution. In this system,
the branches are cross-connected to the supply mains and each other. This type of system has similar advantages and
disadvantages to gridiron systems and is suitable for towns and cities with well-planned roads and streets.

RADIAL SYSTEMS
In radial systems, the distribution area is divided into different distribution districts or zones. Each zone has an elevated
distribution reservoir in the middle from which supply lines run in a radial pattern towards the distribution district
periphery. Radial systems offer swift distribution and allow for simpler design calculations.

DEAD-END SYSTEMS / TREE SYSTEMS

Dead-end water supply systems are the best choice for cities and towns without definite road patterns. In this type of
system, there is one main line that runs through the town or city with sub-mains branching off from left and right. These
sub-mains then divide into a number of branch lines that provide service connections.

Two major water supply system in houses/buildings.

DIRECT SYSTEM
A direct water supply system is one where the raising main feeds directly the cold water taps and a multi-point water
heater. The mains water comes in via a rising main and directly feeds all the cold taps and a multi-point water heater - so
all the taps and other water feeds are at mains water pressure.

INDIRECT SYSTEM
Water enters house from the rising main. After entering, it is branched off into kitchen sink and towards storage tank.
Storage tank is first filled and then water is supplied to appliances from same. The location of storage tank should be at
some height so that water flows down easily under gravity without any external pressure. Only Kitchen sink has portable
water available. All other appliances have stored tank water. Indirect water supply system is flexible because when mains
run out of water, stored water is a benefit till mains flow return.

What are the components of a water supply system?

A municipal water supply system is made up of pipelines, pumps, water storage facilities, and other distribution
accessories. The main components include:
WATER SOURCE: The sources of drinking water can come from groundwater, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals,
rainwater, and saltwater.
WATER PURIFICATION & TREATMENT FACILITIES: Different treatment systems are used depending on the
source of the water.
TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: The treated water is transported from the source via water mains
and sub-mains to the end-users.
STORAGE SYSTEMS: these may include water tanks, reservoirs, and water towers. In smaller systems, pressure vessels
and cisterns may be used.
PUMPING STATIONS: in order to maintain optimal water pressure, additional pressurizing components, called
pumping stations, are often used.
ACCESSORIES: these may include support components such as valves, service lines, generators, meters, fire hydrants,
and other accessories needed to ensure a smoothly running system.
COMMUNITY SYSTEMS
Community water supply systems are public or private entities that install and provide a central supply of water to a
neighbourhood, city or special district. They are government owned, as in most cities, or privately owned, such as in a
rural housing development where the builder or real estate developer develops the water system. The water for these
systems may have been obtained from any of the water sources discussed previously.
For example: Part of the water may be taken from a river or reservoir, and it may be supplemented by deep wells.

WATER METERS are required in all community system that charge for water usage or in systems where water
consumption must be monitored.

PRIVATE SYSTEMS - Private, or individual, water systems are composed of private ground water residential wells,
cisterns, and larger private water systems that serve more than one residence.
Private ground water wells usually supply water to an individual residence.
Private water systems are those that serve no more than 25 people at least 60 days of the year and have no more than 15
service connections (varies by state). Each building serviced by the same private water system is considered to be a
service connection for that system. Most private water systems use ground water wells.

WHAT IS THE WELLS SYSTEM?

A modern well system consists of a well, a motor-driven pump, and a storage tank. In most systems, the pump draws
water from the well where it is stored in a storage tank. A switch activated by water pressure controls the pump.

WHAT’S IN WELL WATER?

Well water is more likely to be hard water, meaning that it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Water
containing minerals can be a good thing. Still, too many minerals can create build-up in pipes and heating systems,
leading to costly repairs. Hard water also performs poorly with soaps and detergents, leaving spots on dishes, shower
doors, and generally not cleaning things as well as soft water.

THERE ARE THREE COMMON TYPES OF WATER WELLS.

DUG WELLS are shallow wells, generally not more Than 25 ft (7.6 m) deep, and typically 3 to 6 ft (1 to 2 m) in diameter.
They are typically made by excavation with a backhoe or excavator but can be hand shovelled, as this was the method
typically used for hundreds of years.
DRIVEN WELLS also referred to as sand point wells. Consist of lengths of 11⁄4 to 2 in (32 to 50 mm) diameter pipe that
is driven into the ground. In driving this type of well, a sharp well Point and drive cap are attached to a pipe.
DRILLED/BORED Drilling or boring methods are used for Deep wells. A well-drilling rig is used to create the well hole.
Drilled wells have the holes formed by using rotary bits. Bored Wells have the holes formed by using an auger and
covered with a casing. Only the drilling method is effective in cutting through hard rock.
Classification Depth Construction Method
Shallow Less than 25 ft Dug, driven, and shallow bored
(7.6 m) in depth
Deep 25 ft (7.6 m) or Drilled and bored
More in depth

OTHER TYPES OF WELL PUMPS

A water well pump is a pump that is used in extracting water from a water well. They include different kinds of pumps,
most of them submersible pumps: Hand pump, manually operated. Injector, a jet-driven pump. Mechanical or rotary lobe
pump requiring mechanical parts to pump water.
A well tank works in conjunction with a well pump, a pressure switch, and a check valve to keep the water pressure in a
safe and comfortable range. Inside the tank is a rubber bladder, similar to a tire inner tube, which holds pressurized air to
force the water out of the tank and into your pipes.

WATER TOWERS AND ELEVATED STORAGE TANKS

A water tower must be tall enough to deliver adequate pressure to all of the houses and businesses in the area of the
tower. Each foot of water height provides 0.433 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure. (This is discussed in Chapter
13.) A typical community water supply maintains pressures between 50 and 100 psi (344 and 688 kPa), whereas plumbing
fixtures require 8 psi (55 kPa) to 30 psi (206 kPa).

Elevated water storage tanks serve buildings that are too tall to rely on street water pressure. Water is pumped to a
storage tank located on top of the building. An elevated storage tank that is 30 to 35ft (10 to 12 m) above the highest
plumbing fixture being served is generally required. Elevated water storage tanks are sized to hold one to two days of
water supply plus a reserve for firefighting. An alternative to an elevated storage tank in tall buildings is a pressurized
tank a storage tank that is pressurized to the appropriate pressure.