Water Distribution System Design
In this section, we have learned how to size pipelines and pumps for pipe networks.
We will now examine some of the practicalities which need to be considered when
designing such closed conduit systems. This is a review of section 2.5 in your
text (which you should read). The primary function of water distribution systems
are to:
- meet the water demands of users while maintaining acceptable pressures
in the system - supply water for fire protection at specific locations within the system,
while maintaining acceptable pressures for normal service. - provide sufficient level of redundancy to support minimum level of service
during emergency conditions (i.e. power loss or water main failure.)
Water Distribution System Design Components
The components of a water distribution system include:
• pipelines – carry water from the treatment facility to the users.
transmission mains, hence the largest pipes which carry flow from the water
treatment facility to the network. These pipes are often greater than
(D > 600 mm).
•feeder mains – (pipelines which feed flow from the transmission main
to the individual pipe networks of every service area (D 400 – 500 mm)
•distribution mains – the grid of pipelines which provides service to
all users (D 150 – 300 mm)
•service lines – pipelines which thus go from the distribution mains to the
individual house/facility.
