Distribution System
Introduction…
The purpose of distribution system is to deliver water to
consumer with appropriate quality, quantity and pressure.
Distribution system is used to describe collectively the
facilities used to supply water from its source to the point of
usage.
Consist of pipe lines , valves, hydrants, pumps, distribution
reservoirs
Requirements of Good Distribution System...
It should be capable of supplying water at all the intended
places with sufficient pressure head.
It should be capable of supplying the requisite amount of
water during fire fighting.
Least capital construction cost
Should be easy and simple to operate and repair.
Should be safe against any future pollution of water ....
distribution pipes should be preferably laid above and away
from the sewer lines.
It should be fairly water-tight as to keep losses due to leakage
to the minimum.
Layouts of Distribution Network
The distribution pipes are generally laid below the road
pavements, and as such their layouts generally follow the
layouts of roads.
There are, in general, four different types of pipe networks;
any one of which either singly or in combinations, can be used
for a particular place.
They are:
1. Dead End System 2. Radial System
3. Grid Iron System 4 Ring System
Dead End System ( tree system ) ...
It is suitable for old towns and cities having no definite pattern
of roads.
Main pipe
submains
branches
• Dead ends
Advantages
Determination of discharges and pressure easier
Lesser number of valves are required
Shorter pipe length are required
Relatively cheap and simple
Disadvantages
Due to many dead ends, stagnation of water occurs in pipes.
Water can reach a particular point only through one route ….
So any damage or repair in the pipeline will completely stop
the water supply in the area
Limited supply during fire risks
Grid Iron System ( interlaced or reticulation system )...
Main, submains and branches are all inter connected with each
other
Used for well planned city or town
Advantages
Since water reaches a point through more than one route , discharge
to be carried by each pipe and size of the pipe get reduced
In case of repair, only a small area will be devoid of complete
supply
Water is kept in good circulation due to the absence of dead ends.
During fire, more water can be diverted
Disadvantages
Requires more length of pipeline and larger number of sluice valves
Construction costlier
Ring System...
A closed ring ,circular or rectangular, of main pipe is laid around the
area to be served
Distribution area is divided into circular or rectangular block and water
mains are laid on the periphery of these blocks
Radial System...
The area is divided into different zones.
The water is pumped into the distribution reservoir kept in the
middle of each zone.
The supply pipes are laid radially ending towards the periphery.
Advantages:
This method ensures high pressure and efficient water
distribution
Calculation of pipe sizes are simple .
Methods of water distribution…
For efficient distribution system adequate water pressure
required at various points.
1. Gravity system
2. Pumping system
3. Combined gravity and pumping system
1.Gravity system…
Suitable when source of supply is at sufficient height.
Difference of head between source and localities , must be
sufficient enough to maintain adequate pressure at consumer
doorsteps after allowing frictional and other losses in the
pipes
Most reliable and economical distribution system, since no
pumping is required
2. Pumping system…
Treated water is directly pumped in to the distribution main
without storing it anywhere.
Also called pumping without storage system.
High lifts pumps are required.
If power supply fails, complete stoppage of water supply.
This method is not generally used.
3. Combined gravity and pumping system
Most common system.
Treated water is pumped and stored in an elevated distribution
reservoir, then supplied to consumer by action of gravity.
The excess water during low demand periods get stored in
reservoir and get supplied during high demand period.
Economical, efficient and reliable system.
Systems of supply
continuous supply of water – water is supplied
continuously for 24 hours
intermittent supply system – water is supplied
intermittently only for peak periods during morning and
evening
Intermittent supply system
• Used when there shortage of water at the source
• System causes inconvenience to consumers
• Supply of water for whole day has to be pumped during 6 to 8 hours
, it will necessitate the use of bigger sized distribution mains
• Do not cover fire risk during non supply periods
• When supply of water is stopped and water from pipe is drawn off ,
a partial vacuum may be created in the pipe …this will induce
suction through leaky joints ….this will contaminate initial supplies
when water is restored
• Number of valves required in distribution system
• Sewage
• Domestic sewage
• Industrial sewage
• Storm water
• Sewer
• Sewerage system - network of sewer pipes in order to carry the sewage from individual
houses to sewage treatment plant
• House sewer
• Lateral sewer
• branch sewer
• Main sewer
• Outfall sewer
Types of sewerage system
• Separate system - sewage and storm water taken through
separate pipes
• Combined system - sewage + drainage through single pipe
• Partially separate system – a part of storm water from roofs or
paved courtyard of building is admitted into sewer
Advantages & disadvantages
• Separate system..two separate pipes , combined system… a bigger
pipe….seperate pipes cannot be laid in congested streets
• Sewer pipe in combined system liable to frequent silting during non
monsoon periods….steeper slope …more excavation….costlier
• Combined system….less foul drainage get mixed up with
sewage….requiring treatment
• Pumping of sewage
