BUILDING WATER SYSTEM AND DESIGN
I. Water Distribution Systems
II. Parts and Elements of a Water
Distribution System
III. Types of Water Distribution
Systems
IV. Types of Water-Pumping System
Prepared by: ENGR. KYRA BAUTISTA
I. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
A water distribution system is a part of water
supply network with components that
carry treated water from a centralized treatment
plant or wells to consumers to satisfy residential,
commercial, industrial and fire fighting
requirements.
The purpose of distribution system is to deliver
water to consumer with appropriate quality,
quantity and pressure.
I. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Requirements of Good Distribution System
The quality of water should not get
deteriorated in the distribution pipes.
It should be capable of supplying water at all
the intended places with sufficient pressure
head.
It should be capable of supplying the needful
amount of water during fire fighting.
I. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Requirements of Good Distribution System
The layout should be such that no consumer
would be without water supply, during the
repair of any section of the system
All the distribution pipes should be preferably
laid one meter away or above the sewer lines.
It should be fairly water-tight as to keep losses
due to leakage to the minimum.
I. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC WATER DISTRIBUTION
1.Direct Pressure Distribution
2.Indirect Pressure Distribution
I. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC WATER DISTRIBUTION
1. Direct Pressure Distribution
• Direct water supply system supplies water directly from
a source to all building connections. The source of water
would be the city government, municipality or private water
supply companies.
• Water is of good quality and the water pumps are of limited
length.
• It ensures consistent water supply depending on the water
availability.
• Prone to damage the main pipeline due to the high
pressure would curb the entire water supply.
I. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC WATER DISTRIBUTION
2. Indirect Pressure Distribution
• Indirect water supply system supplies water from a stored
tank which is connected to the waterlines of the building.
• Water quality is affected due to the storage tank and the
connection line is long and more expensive.
• Water supply is available at any time of day once the tank
is filled up and requires regular maintenance.
• Comparatively lesser pressure through the pipeline and
multiple line supply will not affect the entire water supply.
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
Typical components of the distribution system are:
• Storage tanks/Water main
• Pipes
• Valves
• Hydrants (faucets)
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
TYPICAL COMPONENTS of the distribution system are:
Storage tanks
Small water systems have many storage tank choices depending on
volume needed, site access, visual impacts, system pressure, and so
forth.
Water storage tanks must keep the treated water clean. With the
exception of pressure tanks, they should have a lid or cover that
keeps birds, rodents, insects, dust, and surface runoff out. They also
must have a screened vent to allow air to enter the tank as the
water level drops, and leave the tank as water level rises.
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
TYPICAL COMPONENTS of the distribution system are:
Water main
It refers to the public water connection which are
laid underground along the streets where the house
service pipe or water service pipe is connected.
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
TYPICAL COMPONENTS of the distribution system are:
Pipes
A water-distribution pipe is located inside a building and delivers
potable water to the fixtures.
The supply system delivering water from the potable source to the
building is the "water service" pipe.
The water distribution system includes normally both hot and cold
water.
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
TYPICAL COMPONENTS of the distribution system are:
Valves
Valves are used throughout the distribution system.
Valves are used to isolate equipment, buildings, and other areas of
the water system for repair as well as to control the direction and
rate of flow.
They are used to drain the system for seasonal shutdown.
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
Types of Valves
1. Gate Valve
2. Globe Valve
3. Angle Valve
4. Check Valve
5. Foot Valve
6. Safety Valve
II. Parts and Elements of a Water Distribution System
TYPICAL COMPONENTS of the distribution system are:
Hydrants
A discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which
water may be drawn from a water main
Hose bibs, sample taps, faucets, and fire plugs are all
hydrants. (Note their locations on the site plan)
III. TYPES OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
1. GRAVITY FLOW SYSTEM
2. PUMPING SYSTEM
3. COMBINED GRAVITY AND PUMPING SYSTEM
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
1. GRAVITY FLOW SYSTEM
• When the distribution reservoir is located at a higher
elevation than the target community; then water is supplied
with the gravity flow.
• This method is much more suitable when the source is the
river or impounded reservoir at sufficient height than the
target community.
• Usually pumping water is not required at any stage of this
type of distribution.
• There is no control of water pressure in pipelines.
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
1. GRAVITY FLOW SYSTEM
1. GRAVITY FLOW SYSTEM
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• No energy is required to • Not applicable in plain or
flat terrain where an
operate the system as elevation source of water
water is conveyed by supply is not available.
gravity. • Water loss by leakage is
• No pump is required. comparatively higher.
• Requirement of break
• Economical for long-term pressure tanks to reduce the
use. hydrostatic pressure in the
pipelines.
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
2. PUMPING SYSTEM
• Water is supplied to the consumers with the help of pumps.
• This method is suitable if the source is at a lower elevation
than the target community.
• However, this system of distribution becomes very
expensive for long-term use.
• In this system, the water may be insufficient when the
power fails.
• This method has no problem with the pressure and
maintaining the head at the consumer’s tap.
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
2. PUMPING SYSTEM
2. PUMPING SYSTEM
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• Water can be pumped • Break down of system may
only when required. occur if power fails.
• Low water loss due to • Maintenance and operation
cost is high.
leakage.
• During pumping hours, the
inflow of water through
leaks may cause water
contamination.
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
3. COMBINED GRAVITY AND PUMPING SYSTEM
• It is a combination of a gravity system and a pumping
system. So it is called the Dual System.
• The treated water is pumped and stored in an
elevated reservoir, from where it is supplied to the
consumer by the action of gravity.
• The most common system
• Economical, efficient and reliable system
METHODS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
3. COMBINED GRAVITY AND PUMPING SYSTEM
TYPES OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS:
1. SURFACE RESERVOIRS
• These also called ground reservoir.
• Mostly circular or rectangular tank.
• Under ground reservoirs are preferred especially when
the size is large.
• These reservoirs are constructed on high natural
grounds and are usually made of stones, bricks, plain
or reinforced cement concrete.
TYPES OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS:
2. ELEVATED RESERVOIRS
• Also referred to as Overhead Tanks are required at
distribution areas which are not governed and controlled by
the gravity system of distribution.
• If the topography of the town not suitable for under gravity,
the elevated tank or reservoir are used.
• They are constructed where combine gravity and pumping
system of water distribution is adopted.
• These tanks may be steel or RCC.
• Now RCC is commonly preferred.
TYPES OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS:
2. ELEVATED RESERVOIRS
The accessories of ESR are:
• Inlet and outlet pipe, overflow pipe discharging into a drain
• Float gauge, indicating depth of water.
• Automatic device to stop pumping when the tank is full.
• A manhole and ladder.
• Ventilator for circulation of fresh air.
TYPES OF A WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK:
1. Dead-end or Tree Distribution System
2. Grid Iron Distribution System
3. Circular or Ring Distribution System
4. Radial Distribution System
1. DEAD-END OR TREE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
This system consists of one main pipe from which
several sub-mains diverge and from each sub-
main several branch pipes separate out which are
called laterals. From laterals; connections are
given to different houses.
1. DEAD-END OR TREE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
1. DEAD-END OR TREE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• The design of pipe laying • The single pipeline serves
is simple, easy and cheaper. the region. One problem in
• A less number of valves are the pipeline may lead to a
cut-off of the water supply
required and the operation
of a large area.
and maintenance cost is
• Presence of many dead
low. ends makes stagnation of
• Pipe laying is simple and no water in pipes.
skilled labor is required. • Discharge of water is quite
low.
2. GRID IRON DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
• A grid iron water distribution system is also
referred to as a reticulation or interlaced system.
• The entire system consists of one main pipe which
runs through the center and consists of branches
and laterals which run in a grid pattern.
• Since the mains, branches, and laterals are
interconnected; dead ends are laminated and
water reaches different locations through more
than one route.
2. GRID IRON DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
2. GRID IRON DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• This system enables the • More cut-off valves are
free circulation of water, required.
without any stagnation. • Requirement of longer
• During repair and pipes with a larger
maintenance work; the small diameter.
region is only affected. • Less economical
• Availability of enough water
at street fire hydrants.
3. CIRCULAR OR RING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
• The supply main forms a ring around the distribution
area.
• The branches are connected cross-wise to the mains
and also to each other.
• This system is most reliable for a town with well-
planned streets and roads.
3. CIRCULAR OR RING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
3. CIRCULAR OR RING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• The number of • The length of pipe laying is
interconnection is less with more which ultimately
minimum loss of head. leads to higher cost.
• The discharge is also higher • Several valves are required
when compared to other to control the flow and
methods of distribution. discharge of water.
• Fewer consumers are
affected at the time of
repairs as separate main
lines available for each
household.
4. RADIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
• The whole city is divided into parts and each part
contains a centrally located distribution reservoir
(elevated).
• The distribution pipes are laid radially ending
towards the border and are connected to the
central distribution reservoir.
4. RADIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
4. RADIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Advantages: Disadvantages:
• This system provides quick • The design of pipe is very
service. complicated.
• Due to high discharge and • More length of pipe is
minimum head loss; this required as the connection
system is used in high-rise is more in this system
buildings.
• Few consumers are only
affected during repairing and
maintenance work.
IV. TYPES OF WATER-PUMPING SYSTEM
There are two types of pump commonly used for water distribution in
building, they are:
1. Piston Pump – used on 2. Centrifugal Pump – is
small water distribution associated with tall building
system for elevating water in water distribution system
wells or other sources
