Introduction to Water Supply

System and Its Components

Understand the key elements of a
comprehensive water supply system, from
source to consumer. Explore the core
components that ensure a reliable and efficient
water distribution network.
 Introduction

Source

The water supply industry is vitally important not only to maintain the health of the community, but for the sustainability of industry,
business and agriculture. Without adequate water supplies our present society would never have evolved, and our lives today would
be unrecognizable. Our dependence on treated water is now incalculable, and threats to that supply are comparable to the worst
natural and man-made disasters. The volumes of water consumed each day by agriculture, industry and the public are vast, requiring
an enormous infrastructure to satisfy the demand. Like the other service providers, electricity, telephone and gas, the water utilities
deliver their product to the home, which requires a network of distribution pipes to service each household, but unlike the other
utilities these are stand alone local or regional networks, rather than integrated national supply networks.
Main Components Of Water Supply

Source of water

Water treatment plant

Reservoirs

Distribution network

Consumer end
 Source: Groundwater (Tube Wells)

Groundwater Aquifers Well Construction Aquifer Recharge

Groundwater is stored in
Tube wells are Groundwater aquifers are
underground aquifers,
constructed by drilling a recharged naturally
which are porous, water-
narrow borehole into the through rainfall, surface
bearing geological
aquifer and installing a water infiltration, and
formations. Tube wells
well casing and screening water seepage.
are drilled into these
to collect the water. Sustainable groundwater
aquifers to extract the
management is crucial.
water.
Source: Surface Water (Rivers, Lakes,
Reservoirs)
Surface water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, can provide a reliable supply of water
for municipal and industrial use. These sources are replenished by precipitation and runoff, making
them a sustainable option for water extraction and treatment.

The quality of surface water can vary depending on factors like pollution, sediment load, and
seasonal fluctuations. Proper water treatment is essential to ensure the water is safe for
consumption and meets regulatory standards.
 Water Treatment Plant

 Water treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater

and household water.
 It includes physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove physical,
chemical, and biological contaminants.
 The objective is to produce an environmentally safe fluid waste stream and
solid waste suitable for disposal or reuse
Water Treatment Processes
Screening 1
Raw water from the source is
first passed through a series of
screens to remove large debris 2 Aeration
and particulates. After screening, the water
undergoes aeration to
Flash Mixer 3 introduce oxygen and remove
The water is then mixed with dissolved gases.
chemicals in a flash mixer to
promote coagulation and 4 Coagulation and Flocculation
flocculation.
Coagulants are added to the
water, causing suspended
Sedimentation 5 particles to bind together into
The floc settles out in larger floc that can be more
sedimentation basins, leaving easily removed.
clarified water at the top to
move on to the next treatment 6 Filtration
step. The water then passes through
a filter, usually sand or media,
Disinfection 7 to remove any remaining
suspended particles and
Finally, disinfectants like
microorganisms.
chlorine are added to kill any
remaining pathogens and
ensure the water is safe for
consumption.
Transmission Mains
Transmission mains are the large-diameter pipelines that convey
treated water from the water treatment plant to the distribution
network. These mains may span long distances and are designed to
withstand high pressures and flow rates.

Transmission mains typically use durable materials like ductile iron,

prestressed concrete, or steel to ensure structural integrity and
minimize leaks. Careful planning of pipe sizes, routing, and valve
placement is crucial for efficient water distribution.

Water Distribution System

The basic function of a water distribution system is to
transport the water from the treatment facility to the
customer. In addition, distribution systems may also provide
storage, as well as provide flow and pressure adequate for
fire protection. It cconsist of water lines fittings valves service
line meters, fire hydrants
 Distribution Network: Loop System

Continuous Flow Redundancy Balanced Pressure

In a loop system, water If a section of the loop is Looped networks distribute
circulates continuously, damaged, water can still water evenly, providing
ensuring constant pressure flow in the opposite consistent pressure
and supply. direction, maintaining throughout the system.
service.
 Distribution Network: Branch System
Simplified One-Way Flow Easy Zoning Cost-Effective
Layout
The branched layout
The branch system typically
The branch distribution Water flows in a single allows for easy
requires less pipe material
system features a simple, direction from the source isolation of sections of
and fittings compared to a
linear network of to the consumers, with the network, enabling
looped network, making it a
pipelines that branch out no looped connections. targeted repairs and
more economical choice for
from the transmission This makes the system maintenance without
some distribution projects.
main to serve individual easier to install but less disrupting the entire
neighborhoods or zones. redundant. system.
Types of Pipes and Materials

Ductile Iron Pipes PVC Pipes HDPE Pipes Concrete Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride High-density
Ductile iron pipes (PVC) pipes are polyethylene (HDPE) Concrete pipes are a
offer exceptional lightweight, cost- pipes are flexible, durable option for
strength, durability, effective, and corrosion-resistant, large-diameter water
and corrosion resistant to and have a smooth mains, providing
resistance, making chemicals, making interior for efficient strength and
them a popular them a common water flow. resistance to
choice for water selection for water external loads.
distribution systems. supply networks.
 Site Execution and Construction
Considerations

Site Survey
1
Comprehensive assessment of terrain, utilities, and access points.

Pipe Laying
2
Careful excavation and bedding to ensure proper installation.

Trenchless Technology
3 Minimizing surface disruption through horizontal drilling
and pipe relining.

Quality Control
4 Rigorous testing and inspection to maintain
high standards.

Successful water supply network construction requires meticulous planning and execution on-site. This includes a thorough site
survey to map terrain, utilities, and access points, followed by precise pipe laying techniques to ensure proper bedding and
alignment. Trenchless technologies like horizontal drilling and pipe relining can minimize surface disruption. Throughout the
process, stringent quality control measures, such as rigorous testing and inspection, help maintain the integrity of the water supply
system.
 Water Supply Design Software
1 Excel Spreadsheets 2 EPANET
Simple and accessible way to model Powerful hydraulic modeling software
basic water supply components, such as that can simulate complex water
pipe sizing and demand calculations. distribution networks, including
pressure, flow, and water quality.

3 Civil 3D 4 WaterGEMS
Integrates with GIS data to design Advanced water modeling software that
and visualize the entire water supply optimizes system design and operations,
system, including terrain, pipes, considering factors like water quality,
pumps, and storage tanks. energy usage, and life-cycle costs.
Water Gems Software
Water Gems Software is a comprehensive tool for designing and analyzing water supply systems. Its
advanced features and intuitive interface enable engineers to optimize network performance,
simulate scenarios, and make informed decisions. With Water Gems, you can unlock the full potential
of your water supply projects, ensuring that they are efficient, effective, and sustainable.