Water Supply

The most important and abundant source of life is water. It is a major requirement for humans and is available in many forms like lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Nowadays, the requirement for water is increasing, and the water supply should be made proper and flexible so that the world would get the benefits. The water is distributed through a well-organized water supply system. For that, the water supply pipes are used. There are three layouts of the water supply system and distributed in three ways like gravity, pumping, and dual systems. 

Water supply

The water in natural sources like ponds and lakes is more likely to get polluted by industries and micro agents. This water cannot be directly distributed to households or used for any other purpose. They must be treated, and all the external particles, dust, and debris should be removed. The polluted water affects people’s health. Then it should be distributed using the proper water supply system. Providing safe and clean water is the main thing that helps in sustaining public health. 

Water treatment

The water is distributed to the consumers after a series of treatments. The three water treating methods are sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. The suspended solids and dust particles are removed in the sedimentation process with the help of a sedimentation filter. The second step, filtration can be done by diffusing water into a sand medium. Due to the high pressure given, the colour, taste, turbidity, and odour are removed. Disinfection is the last step of water treatment where the pathogens are removed or killed with the help of chemicals. Iodine, chlorine, ozone, UV rays, and bromine are the major chemicals used. 

Water supply system layout

The water supply system consists of a pipeline network with reservoirs, pumps, pressure instruments, and leak detection instruments. These instruments together form the network that supplies water to the consumers in a safe way.

The water is distributed through four layouts such as

• Circular system

• Dead end system

• Radial system

• Gridiron system

Circular system

The circular system has an arrangement of outer water supply pipes and inner water supply pipes that allows the water in. The water passes through the outer pipes and reaches inside. The pressure is balanced with the help of interconnected water supply pipes present in between the outer and inner pipes. In this circular system, the water is circulated freely and is free from pollution.  It is also named as the ring system.

Dead end system

Dead end system has a random arrangement that depends on the structure of cities or towns. The main water supply pipe divides into the sub-main pipe and it is further divided into branches, which supply water to the houses. The main advantage of the dead-end system is it is cheap and has a simple water layout. The pressure and water discharge can be measured easily. It is also called a tree system. 

Radial system

In a radial system, the water is passed to the service reservoirs. From the service reservoirs, it reaches the dead-end system by gravity, which supplies the water to the consumers. The pressure measurement is easy in this zoned system.

Gridiron system

In a gridiron system, the water passes to the junctions, which are further branched as sub-main pipes. The sub-main pipes have the same diameter. The interconnected pipes balance the pressure in the sub-main pipes. The two-direction supply offers high pressure on the water supply. The water will circulate freely and easily be repaired.

Water supply system

The water supply system is typed based on the requirement of the rate of flow of water to reach the desired consumer. There are three systems to distribute the water, like

• Pumping system

• Gravity system

• Dual system

Pumping system

The water supply pipes or pumps are directly connected to the main water supply. Through this arrangement, constant pressure is maintained. The rate of flow does not differ based on demand. 

Gravity system

A gravity system is used when the ground is higher than the city. It maintains pressure and the water flows with the help of gravitational force. It is a reliable system in which pumping is not required.

Dual system

The dual system has two sources of water supply such as mains and elevated reservoirs. The sources are selected based on the demand for water. When the demand is less, the water is stored in a reservoir and when it is more, it is stored in mains and reservoirs. This dual system is the combined system of pumping and gravity. This system is reliable and cheap.

Conclusion

Water is an important natural source that saves a life. An efficient water supply is a major requirement to supply quality water in a reliable and safe way to people. It meets demand and prevents water from pollution. The water is undergone through many treatment units and layouts like a ring, dead-end, grid, and radial arrangements of water supply pipes. It is distributed in three water supply systems, namely such as a gravity system, a pumping system, and a combined system of gravity and pumping.