FUNDAMENTALS OF WATER SUPPLY Advantage: water is soft, pure and suitable for

hot water supply system

Water Supply and Distribution System
- carries water from the water source, street
main or a pump to the building and to various
points in the building at which water is used.
Water Supply Systems
 Cold Water Supply
 Hot Water Supply
Water
Disadvantage: only a source during wet season.
Storage becomes breeding place for
mosquitoes. Roofs may not be clean
Ground Water
Aquifers- portion of water which has percolated
in earth to form underground deposits
Advantage: has abundant supply. Requires less
treatment

- plays important part in plumbing system Disadvantage: may have organic matter and
chemical elements
- universal solvent
Uses of Water
- most crucial utility requirement
 Nourishment
Water Cycle
 Cleansing and Hygiene
3 Major Stages:  Ceremonial Uses
 Transportation Uses
 Evaporation
 Cooling Medium
 Condensation
 Ornamental Element
 Precipitation
 Protective Uses
Sources of Water
Physical Properties of Water
1. Surface Water – any body of water
1. Surface Tension
above ground
- ability to stick and pull itself together
Ex. Streams, Lakes, Ponds, Rivers,
- effect where surface of liquid is strong
Reservoirs, Stored Rain Water and
- small things can float on water
Cisterns
2. Ground Sources – water present
2. Heat Absorption/Capacity
beneath Earth’s surface is soil pore
- ability to absorb heat without
spaces and in the fractures of rock
becoming warmer
formations
- water has high specific heat capacity,
Ex. Springs, Wells
it absorbs a lot of heat before it begins
Rain Water to get hot

collected from roofs of buildings and special

water sheds and stored in cisterns or ponds
 3. Capillarity
- ability to climb up a
surface against the pull of gravity
- important for moving water around
- liquid flows without help of gravity
4. Dissolving Ability
- water is called the "universal solvent"
because it is capable of dissolving more
substances than any other liquids
Chemical Properties of Water
1. pH
- measure of how acidic/basic water is
- water with a low ph can dissolve metal
pipes, causing heavy metals to leach
into your water
- acidic water can also cause pipes to
wear away, resulting in leaks that may
be expensive to repair
2. Alkalinity
- alkaline water causes the most
noticeable effect on gas water heaters.
lime scale buildup in pipes and on
plumbing fixtures resulting in less
efficient plumbing systems.
- can cause problems with buildup lime
scale on shower doors.
3. Total Hardness
- hard water can negatively affect any of
your plumbing fixtures
- clogged pipes, a failed water heater
and damaged fixtures.
- can cause lime scale to build up,
eventually clogging the drains and
decreasing the water quality
. and released into the water.
4. Iron and Manganese
- iron and manganese in drinking water
can impart a metallic taste, can cause
the water to be discolored, and can
stain plumbing fixtures and laundry.
- iron sediment and residue can build
up in your home's pipes and cause
clogging or poor drainage.
5. Metal-Zinc
- a coating of zinc protects galvanized
pipe, but when corrosion occurs, it
deposits high levels of zinc and iron into
the tap water.
- a zinc coating on galvanized pipe may
contain lead, copper, cadmium,
chromium, aluminum, barium and other
impurities.
- the galvanization process adds zinc to
the surface of the pipe, which is a
treatment to prevent rust
6. Nitrates and Nitrites
- when artificial or natural substances
are introduced into waterways, like
nitrates and nitrites, from fertilizers
(farm run-off) or untreated sewage, it
can result of large blooms of algae
(cyanobacteria) can grow due the
increased levels of nutrients in the
water.
7. Arsenic and Flouride
- arsenic can attach and build up on
pipes and tanks
- changes in water chemistry and
flushing of mains or fire flow can cause
arsenic buildup to become dislodged
- the fluoride ion interacts weakly with
common metals in plumbing materials
 .- fluoride ions contribute to corrosion
to the same extent as at the same
concentration chloride and sulfate ions.
8. Chloride
- high levels of chloride can corrode and
weaken metallic piping and fixtures.
give a "salty" taste to the drinking
water.
- can damage household appliances,
boilers, and, if the water is being used
for irrigation, it may inhibit the growth
of vegetation.
9. Total and free Chlorine
- the more chlorine in the water the
more corrosion
.- corrosive effect on the inside of the
pipes and slowly erodes the piping over
time.
- chlorine eats all the way through the
pipes and creates pinhole leaks, which if
left unchecked, can cause a multiple
problems.
Biological Properties of Water
1. Aquatic Plants
- aquatic plants are photosynthetic
organisms adapted to life in the water.
- land plants are mostly “vascular”
plants, having roots that take up and
transport water and nutrients to leaves,
where the Photosynthesis occurs
- “macrophytes do not need to
transport water since they live in the
water, and they generally can take
nutrients directly from the water
- the type and form they take depends
on the water’s depth and if the water is
flowing or still
2. Suspended and Attached Algae
- in lakes and ponds, most algae
suspended in water
- excess nutrients in standing water
(lakes, reservoirs) can result in
“blooms” of algae that turn the water
turbid. These organisms often float in
thick mats or form unsightly scums on
the surface. They also may produce
toxins.
3. Emergent, Floating and Submersed
Plants
– emergent plants live near water’s
edge and along banks of rivers
– provide habitat for animals living near
water – when too abundant they may
interfere with boat propellers, modify
flow of water, and cause large day to
night swings in dissolved oxygen and
pH.
4. Aquatic Micro invertebrates
– they live in different types of aquatic
habitats. Consume leaves and twigs
that fall into the water
– different invertebrates tolerate
different stream conditions and levels
of pollution, their presence or absence
is used to indicate clean or polluted
water.
5. Invasive Species
- reduce fish populations and native
species
- ruin boat engines
- jam steering equipment
- make lake and rivers unusable
- increase operating costs
- degrade ecosystems
6. Fish
- important members of aquatic
ecosystems and indicators of water
quality.
- fish are sensitive to many aspects of
water quality including pH, turbidity,
temperature, and oxygen levels.
Water Treatment Methods Coagulation - chemical process in which the
coagulant reacts with the sediment to make it
- any process that makes water more
acceptable for a specific end-use capable of combining into larger particles

What happens when water isn’t treated
properly?
It can have disastrous results if the water hasn’t
been appropriately treated at the plant there
are many dangerous waterborne diseases that
pose a serious risk to human and animal health
if ingested.
Waterborne diseases from untreated water
Flocculation - physical process in which the
sediment particles collide with each other and
stick together.
3. Sedimentation - a process that removes
solids that float and settle in the water.
The process relies on the use of
sedimentation tanks that remove larger
solids.

 Hepatitis A
4. Filtration - remove microorganism and
 Typhoid
colloidal matter
 Dysentery
 Leptospirosis
5. Disinfection - pre chlorination and de
 Cholera
chlorination - mostly to kill algae that
 Legionnaire’s Disease
would otherwise grow and clog the
 Giardias
water filters. Also kills much of the
Water Treatment Methods remaining unprotected bacteria

1. Aeration - the process by which air is Water Treatment Process

circulated through, mixed with or
dissolved in a liquid or substance

Ex. Cascade Aerators, Spray Aerators,

Slat Tray Aerators

2. Coagulation and Flocculation - a

process by which small sediment
particles which do not settle well
combine together to form larger
particles that can be removed by
sedimentation
WATER STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
What is water supply and distribution system?
- transferring the water to the consumer
from the treatment facility.
- connecting pipes, fittings, control
valves, and appurtenances
Water Storage for Domestic Use:
 Overhead tank or Gravity Supply Tank
- positioned above the head, which is
constructed at a specific height. Any
material may be used to construct the
tank, but the goal is to maximize
efficiency by positioning the tank at a
high elevation.
 Cistern tank
- used to collect and store rainwater for
household and usually placed
underground or above ground level.
 Pneumatic tank
- utilized to provide water under
pressure when the pump is not
functioning and to store water.
- it increases the water reserve so the
pump begins and stops less frequently,
extending the pump's lifespan.
Hot Water Tank
 Range Boiler
- small hot water tank (30- 60 cm
diameter and 180 cm max length
- made of galvanized steel sheet,
copper or stainless steel
 Storage Boiler
- large hot water tank (60- 130 cm in
diameter and 5 meters max length
- made of heavy duty material sheets
applied with rust proof paint
Components:
 Supply pipe
- a plumbing line that is used to supply
water to fixtures throughout homes and
commercial buildings.
 Inlet
- a pipe connected with a tank or
cistern or a reservoir, that fills it.
 Overflow pipe
- addition to the storage tank or cistern
that stops the water from overflowing.
 Gate valves
- used to completely shut off fluid flow
or, in the fully open position, provide
full flow in a pipeline.
VALVES AND CONTROL
Function of Valves:
 Control of water system
- start or shutdown a system
- regulate pressure
- check backflow
- control the direction of water
Types of Valves:
1. Gate valve (full-way valve)
- utilized to enable full flow in a
pipeline when fully open or to totally
stop fluid flow when fully closed
 Wedge shape or tapered
 Disc valve
 Double disc valve
2. Globe valve
- utilized to completely stop the flow of
the fluid as well as to regulate pressures
or flows.
 Types of globe valves Parts of Water Distribution System:
 Plug type disc valve
 Conventional disc valve  Service Pipe - pipe connecting the
 Composition disc valve building's water distribution system to
the water main or other sources of
3. Check valve potable water supply.
- the primary goal is to stop backflow in
the line.
 Water Meter - amount (volume) of
water that flows via a pipe or other
Types of check valves
outlet is measured
 Swing check valve
 Lift check valve
 Distribution Pipe - conveys water from
 Vertical check valve the water service pipe to deliver
 Horizontal check valve potable water to the fixtures
4. Angle valve
 Riser - sturdy metal or plastic pipe
- on the water supply lines of toilets,
called a riser pipe runs from the water
plumbing fixtures, and appliances are
heater's water supply line up through
oval-handled valves.
the walls to the fixtures’ sources water
steam, or gas.
5. Foot valve
- suction line end spring-loaded valve
that is located at the lower end of  Fixture Branch - supply pipe connecting
pump. the fixture to the pipe that distributes
water
6. Safety valve
- used to safeguard people and  Fixture Supply - water supply pipe tying
property against system pressure the fixture and fixture branch together
failure

HOT AND COLD WATER DISTRIBUTION

Types of Faucets
Water Distribution System
1. Compression cock
- compressed by turning the faucet  Water Service Pipe
handle tight, stopping the water flow.  Water Distribution Pipe
 Fittings
2. Key cock  Control Valves and all appurtenances
- tool used to unlock hose bibs and
sillcocks that are tamper-resistant.
Cold Water Distribution System
3. Ball faucet
Types of Cold Water Distribution System:
- constructed with a ball connected to
the handle.  Direct (Upfeed)
- water is provided by the city water
4. Hose bibb companies using normal pressure from
- water faucet made for threaded the water main
attachment of a hose.
 Advantage:
- Eliminate cost of pumps and
tanks
Disadvantage:
- inadequate pressure to supply
tall building
- Water supply affected during
peak hours
 Indirect
1. Down feed/Gravity System
- water is pumped and distributed
by means of gravity
2. Hydro-pneumatic System/Air
Pressure System)
- tanks that use water and air under
pressure is called Hydro-pneumatic
system.
Three functions:
• deliver water in a preset pressure
range
• monitor pump from turning on
too often
• lower pressure surges
Advantage:
 With component pumping unit
 Sanitary
 Economical
 Less initial construction and
maintenance cost
 Adaptable air pressure
 Air pressure serves zone of
about 10 stores interval
Disadvantage:
 Water supply affected by loss of
pressure inside the tank in case
of power interruption
Overhead Feed System
Advantage:
 Water not affected by peak
hour load
 Not affected by power
interruption
 Time to replace broken parts
doesn’t affect water supply
Disadvantages:
 Water subject to contamination
 High maintenance cost
 Occupies valuable space
 Requires stronger foundation
and other structures to carry
additional load of tank and
water
Hot Water Distribution System
Types of Hot Water Distribution System:
 Up feed and Gravity Return System
- continuing network pipes
- hot water rises on its own
- hot water immediately drawn from
fixture
 Down feed and Gravity Return System
- hot water rises to the highest point of
the plumbing system
- water distribution is dependent on
expansion of hot water and gravity
 Pump Circuit System
- a more efficient circulation of hot
water to upper floor levels of multi-
storey buildings
SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Drainage System
- method of removing surface or sub-surface
water from a given area
- piping within public and private premises
which conveys sewage, rainwater, and other
liquid waste to a point of disposal.
Main objective: collect and remove waste
matter systematically to maintain healthy
conditions in a building
Stack – any vertical line of soil, waste or vent
piping. The main drain line of plumbing
drainage system
Three Chief Sections of Stack Pipe:
 Drain Stack – vertical pipe that encompass
a section of your home
 Soil Stack – lowest plumbing fixture of main
sewer line
 Vent Stack – vertical pipe that trails upward
the drain line to the open-air space
Soil Pipe – a pipe that conveys the discharge of
water closets with or without the discharge of
other fixtures to the building drain or building
sewer.
Waste Pipe – transport wastewater from sinks,
shower, bath, etc. It is smaller than soil pipe and
it doesn’t need to be vented above ground level
Branch – waste pipe that collects waste from
two or more fixtures and conveys it to building
or sewer. It is any part of piping system other
than main, riser, or stack.
Building/House Drain – lowest horizontal piping
which receives discharge from soil, waste and
other drainage pipes inside building and
conveys it to sewer.
Building/ House Sewer – extends from the end
of building drain and conveys its discharge to
the public sewer, private sewer or other point
of disposal
Privy – oldest form of disposal of organic waste.
It consists of water tight vault constructed of
concrete for the collection of raw sewage and a
wooden shelter. It must be 15m to 45m away
from water supply. Vault should be supplied
with ventilation. It should be screened and
protected from vermin and flies.
Septic Tank and Seepage Pit – cycle is
completed below ground and within property.
Liquid waste are purified due to anaerobic
bacteria though precipitation
 Effluent- liquid discharge
 Scum- non-soluble organic matter that
floats on surface of sewage
 Sludge- organic matter that settles at
base od septic tank
Inspection Ports – helpful in monitoring activity
of septic system
SEPTIC TANK
Size of Tank:
Residence: 6 persons min capacity of 50 cu ft.
and for larger household 5-6 cu ft. per person
Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional: PARTS OF SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM

2-3 cu ft. per person. Location must be near

Essential Components:
structure served (5’) 1.50 m. Water tight and
 House Sewer - extends from the public
gas tight and 50’-150’ (15m-45m) away from
sewer to the private sewage-disposal
water sources
tank to the wall of the structure and is
Seepage Pit – only effluent that has come from entirely outside the building
septic tank enters a seepage pit.
 Glazed vitrified clay – min. 6” –
36 “ Ø, 2’-3’ long
SOIL PIPE AND WASTE PIPES SYSTEMS
 Cast-iron - min. 4” Ø, 5’ to10’

Soil Pipe System long

- also known as soil vent pipe.  Copper – 12’ to 20’ long

- pipe that conveys sewage or wastewater  Plastic pipe –10’ to 20’ long

- most commonly made from cast iron and

some contained asbestos  House Drain - horizontal main into
- needs to be vented which the vertical soil and waste stacks
- can be identified above the roof or on side of discharge. It connects directly to the
your home house sewer
- must be large enough diameter to allow solid
waste to pass  Traps - u-shaped portion of pipe
- usually sizes 110 mm or 160 mm diameters designed to trap liquid or gas to prevent
unwanted flow. Plastic trap is most
Waste Pipe System common trap
- pipe that conveys only liquid waste free of
Types of traps based upon their shapes
fecal matter
- made from either copper, iron, or lead
a. P - Trap - exit into the wall
- doesn’t need to be vented above ground level
behind the sink. It has water
- can be found in the basement, crawl space, or
seal and prevents entry of foul
garage
gases to the house
- smaller than soil pipe

b. Q - Trap - used in toilet under

water closet, used in the upper
story other than the ground
floor
c. S - Trap - usually used with
 siphonage pipe, used for fixing
water closets in toilets.
Types of traps based on use:
1. Floor traps or nahni trap
– installed at floor level
– provided with a removable grating
on top
2. Running trap
– not connected with any fixture
– susceptible to clog the drain
– usually installed in public building
3. Gully trap
– provided at the exterior plumbing
system
– collect wastewater coming from
all areas
4. Straight through trap
– suitable for limited space
– acts as non-return valve and
allows water to flow from it but
blocks entry of foul air
– ideal for basins with pedestal
5. Intercepting trap
– provide connection t public sewer
line
– prevents entry of unwanted gas
and odor from the public sewer
system
– usually required in apartments
and larger buildings
6. Low level bath trap
- suitable for a tight space under a
shower and bath tray
7. Bottle trap
– used in wash basins and sink to
collect heavier waste and prevent
entry of foul gases
– has no separate built-in traps
8. Bell trap
– installed in outdoor plumbing
lines coming out of garages, patios,
etc.
– has water seal inside that blocks
sewer gas
– seals through water stored within
cup
9. Grease trap
– separates and filters the grease
from the liquid and retain the
grease
– installed in food manufacturing
units
10. Building trap
– provided at exterior of any
building’s main sewer line
– acts as secondary line of defense
against sewer gas and vermins
11. Drum trap
– wide openings permit you to
locate and remove objects more
efficiently
Requirements of a Good Plumbing Trap:
o operate and efficient water seal
 o self-cleansing
o not have any internal projection
angles or contractions to permit
unobstructed flow
o have a smooth inner surface
o be fitted with suitable means of
access for cleaning
 Fresh-air Inlet – intended to admit fresh
air to the drainage system so that there
will be a free circulation
 Soil and waste Stack - fixture branches
feed into a vertical pipe referred to as a
stack.
 Fixture Branches - each plumbing
fixture is connected horizontally to the
sanitary drainage system by a drain line.
 Vents - extension of soil and waste
stacks through the roof and a system of
pipes largely paralleling the drainage
system for the admission of air and
discharging of gases
 Interceptors - Passive devices designed
into a plumbing system that trap,
separate, and retain these toxic or
undesirable substances from
wastewater before it is discharged into
the sewer line.
 Cleanouts - screw-type fittings with a
cap that can unscrew to allow access to
the inside of the sanitary drain pipes.
Two types of cleanouts:
 Floor cleanout
 Wall cleanout
Special Devices:
 Sumps and Ejectors
- tank or pit which receives sewage or
liquid waste
- motor driven centrifugal pumps or
operated by compressed air
 Backwater Valves
- prevent reverse flow from sewer to
low facilities with heavy drainage load
that can over flow
 Roof Drains
- receptacle designed to collect surface
or rain water to a catch basin
 Floor Drain
- pipe which carries water or
waterborne wastes in a building
drainage system
VENTS AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS
Plumbing Vent Pipe
- also called a "vent stack" or "plumbing
air vent". It regulates the air pressure in
a plumbing system
How and Why Plumbing Vent Works:
1. Allow building to flow freely
 2. Allow sewer gases to be vented
safely outdoors
Importance of Plumbing Vent
 Prime purpose of the venting is to
protect trap seal
 Drain-waste-vent pipe system
moves waste water out of home
 Helps regulate the air pressure in
your plumbing system
Types of Plumbing Vents:
 Individual Venting – installation of
vent pipe for every trap. The easiest
but costly method.
 Common Vents – serves two
fixtures located on the same floor
 Wet Vents – single vent pipe to
provide for all fixtures of one or two
bathroom groups located on same
floor
 Circuit Vents – horizontal pipes
serving up to 8 fixtures.
Drainage Pipes
- carry waste out of your home either to
the city sewer or a septic tank
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Storm water Drainage System
Storm water that is not absorbed by the ground
due to impermeable pavement or hard surface,
spills over to the road or hard surface, and is
collected by the underground drainage system.
Storm Drainage System
- network of structures, channels and
underground pipes that carry stormwater (rain
water) to ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. The
network consists of both public and private
systems.
- system that is designed to control quantity,
quality, timing and distribution of storm runoff
Gravel Trench
- narrow, stone-filled channels situated over
well-draining soil that utilize the empty spaces
between stones to act as a temporary reservoir
for storm water as it soaks into the surrounding
soil.
Surface Storm Water
- water originating from rainfall and other
precipitation that is found in drainage
facilities, rivers, streams, etc.
Where can you see them?
 Roadside ditches
 Roadside curb inlets
 Yard inlets
 Channels: Grass, Concrete, Stone
 Pipe Outfalls
Stormwater vs. Sanitary Sewers
- stormwater sewer is not treated; it goes
directly to water body, pollutants and all. A
sanitary sewer goes to the waste water
treatment plant where the water goes through
a complicated process where it is cleaned and
released back into the water
Surface Water Flooding
– when rainwater doesn’t drain, but instead
flows over the ground
Causes of Poor Drainage Systems:
 Heavy storms or rains than the designed
pipe network capacity
 Damaged pipes
 Incorrect pipe installation
 Inadequate water flow system through
gravity
 Blockage in pipe network
 Poor maintenance
Types of Drainage Systems:
1. Surface Drainage System
– removal of excess water from the surface
of the land
– are canals that are created for runoff
water
– contain shallow ditches that are dug in
parallel pattern
A proper surface drainage system shapes
and molds the land into a watershed that
can convey the runoff into an organized
drainage system comprising of trench
drains, catch basins, and storm sewers.
Types of Surface Drainage System:
a. Open Drains
Shallow- only upto 300mm
deep and can be created with
hand shovel. It is not suited for
draining a large area
Medium Depth- between foot
to a meter deep and are
created with the help of an
excavator. Typically, an
excavator is used to dig
these into a V-shaped with a
flat bottom best suited for flat
areas.
Large- can be several meters
deep and wide and are created
with the help of dragline
excavators, bulldozers, or
scrapers. Used to evacuate
large volumes of water
b. Humps and Hollows - creates a
series of lateral surface drains
that help discharge water into
headland drains. The greater
the space between the humps,
the slower will be the rate of
discharge of water.
c. Levees - channels usually
created on land with a gradient
in such a manner that the soil
removed to create these forms
a levee on the downslope of
 these channels.
d. Grassed Waterways - used to
regulate drain outflows going
down slopes, so as to cheaply
prevent erosion.
2. Subsurface Drainage
- perforated conduit such as a pipe, tubing,
or tile installed beneath the ground to
intercept, collect, and convey excess ground
water to a suitable stable outlet.
Types of Subsurface Storm water System:
a. Storage vaults or tanks - designed to
mitigate flooding. Typically constructed
from pre-cast concrete structures,
culverts, concrete rings, pipes, cast-in-
place concrete and even vendor-
provided products.
b. Gravel Beds- are meant to temporarily
detain water and promote infiltration.
Gravel beds are excavated
subterranean areas filled with
uniformly-graded gravel.
c. Perforated pipes - help ease soggy
yards, flooded fields, and wet
basements. Made of different materials
including PVC plastic, cement, clay, iron.
d. Storm Chambers- underground
structures that can be used either for
detention or retention of stormwater.
Why do we need drainage for stormwater?
1. Reduce risk of flooding
2. Protect water quality
3. Prevent or reduce damage to properties
and environment
Storm Drain
- portion of the plumbing system which conveys
rain or storm water to a suitable terminal. This
is usually discharged into a street gutter
conveyed by a public drain system and carried
to some natural drainage terminal such as lakes
or rivers.
3 locations: Inside, Outside, Overhead
Size of Storm Drain:
Factors determining size of storm drain:
1. Gauging the rainfall, constant, short duration
or heavy shower.
2. The varying roof area and its slope including
the distance of water travel before it reaches
the conductors or downspouts of the roof.
3. Water drain is faster on higher pitched roof
hence, requires a larger drainage pipe than that
of a flat roof.
4. The height of the building contributes to the
high velocity of water in the vertical conductor
(pipe) and accelerates the flow of water
entering the storm drain.
5. Short offsets and indiscriminate use of fittings
affect the flow of water.
Roof Leader
– commonly known as conductor or downspout.
It connects roof terminal to the storm drain
either inside or outside leader
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
Sewage Disposal System
- sanitary drainage systems, septic tanks,
leaching pits, and other approved facilities for
the disposal of sewage by means other than
through a public sewer
Types of Sewage Disposal System:
1. Cesspool – hole in the ground with
stones and bricks laid in such a manner
as to allow raw contaminated sewage
to leach into the under surface of the
ground
2. Privy – a concrete vault sealed with a
wooden shelter constructed for the
collection of raw sewage
3. Septic Tank – a receptacle or vault used
to collect organic waste discharge from
the house drain
4. Public Sewer Line – consists of a
sewage treatment plan which conveys
raw sewage from building and houses
to the disposal system
a. Combination Public Sewer –
conveys both storm water and
sanitary wastes
b. Sanitary Sewer – only carries
regular sanitary wastes and
terminates in a modern sewage
dispersal plant
c. Storm Dain – carries storm
water and terminates at natural
drains such as canals, lakes, and
rivers
Septic Tank
– device or receptacle used to expedite the
decomposition of the elements contained in
raw sewage waste.
Main function: to liquefy and precipitate solid
wastes purifying odorous materials
Combines two processes:
 Sedimentation
 Anaerobic decomposition
Sedimentation
- 60-70% of the suspended solids of the sewage
is removed largely to form a semi-liquid
substance called sludge and floating scum
Digestion
- both scum and sludge are processed by
anaerobic bacteria forming liquid and gases,
and the solid matter is reduced in sizes and
consequently changed in character
Decomposition of organic matter from human
waste is a bacteriological process caused by:
 Aerobic bacteria: life process is in the
presence of material oxygen
 Anaerobic bacteria: functions in the
absence of free oxygen
  Facultative bacteria: functions even
with or without free oxygen available
Materials used in Construction:
 Reinforced Concrete
 Plastered concrete hollow blocks
 Prefabricated asbestos
 Thin metal and plastic
General Conditions in the Construction of
Septic Tank:
 Rectangular Form
 Minimum Inside:
Width- 90cm
Length- 150 cm
Depth for the liquid in the tank- 120 cm
Inverts are installed in the wall of the
tank- at least 120 cm from its bottom
Invert extension- not more than 30 cm
 Bottom of the digestion chamber
should be sloped to one low point
 With manhole
 Should be constructed near the surface
Locations Of Septic Tank:
1. Located closer to the building it serves,
providing a minimum distance of 2.0 meters
from the outside wall.
2. As much as possible, septic tank should not
be located closer to the doors and windows.
3. Should not be installed within or under a
house.
4. Should be at least 15.0 meters away from any
source of potable water supply.
Technical Data in determining Volume of
Septic Tank:
1. Minimum Width = 0.90 meters
2. Minimum Length = 1.50 meters
3. Minimum Depth = 1.20 meters
4. For residential = allocate 0.14 to 0.17 cubic
meter of liquid per person.
5. To serve 12 persons = not more than 2.0
cu.m.
6. For school industrial establishment = Volume
should not be less than 0.057 cu.m. nor more
than 0.086 cu.m. per person.
Sewage Disposal
– act of removing sewage (liquid waste from
community) . It is the disposal of waste matter
such as feces or dirty water from homes and
factories. It is carried away in sewers or drains
for dumping or conversion into a form that is
not toxic
Why do we need to manage our wastes?
 It stinks
 It contains deadly bacteria
 It has dangerous chemicals that
could affect the environment
Alternative Arrangements for Sewage Disposal
1. Septic Tanks- a buried, water-tight
container usually made of concrete,
fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to
hold the wastewater long enough to
allow solids to settle down to the
 bottom forming sludge, while the oil
and grease floats to the top as scum
Sewage Systems
2. Chemical Toilets - special toilet that
uses chemicals to treat and deodorize
waste.
3. Composting Pits- system that converts
human waste into organic compost and
usable soil it is another method of
clearing human waste is by the process
of composting pets when micro-
organisms such as bacteria and fungi
and macro organisms such as
earthworms oxide organic waste to
break it down into central mineral
Sewage Treatment
- also called wastewater treatment, the removal
of impurities from wastewater, or sewage,
before it reaches aquifers or natural bodies of
water such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and
oceans
Why do we need sewage treatment?
Because without it, there will be water
pollution, which is caused primarily by the
drainage of contaminated wastewater into
surface water or groundwater
Types of Wastewater/Sewage:
 Domestic Sewage – carries water from
houses and apartments
 Industrial Sewage- used water from
manufacturing or chemical processes
 Storm Sewage- runoff from
precipitation that is collected in a
system of pipes or open channels
1. Combined Systems
- carry a mixture of both domestic
sewage and storm sewage
- consist of large-diameter pipes
- common in older cities but are no
longer designed and built as part of new
sewerage facilities
- overflows causing pollution
2. Separate Systems
- carrying either domestic or storm
sewage but not both
3. Alternative Pumps
- three alternative wastewater
collection systems that may be used
under these circumstances include
small-diameter gravity sewers, pressure
sewers, and vacuum sewers.
4. Pumps
- built when sewage must be raised
from a low point to a higher elevation
- special non clogging pumps are
available to handle raw sewage
- installed in lift stations
Sewage Treatment in Front Yard
a. Septic Tank and Seepage Pit
Not the best way to clean and
recycle water. Effluent that has
come from a septic tank enters a
 seepage pit. The effluent has
already been through the first stage
of processing in the tank. Once it
enters the seepage pit it is
temporarily stored there until it
gradually seeps through the walls
and into the surrounding soil.
b. Septic Tank and Tile Drain Field
Better method but more expensive
to install. By design, the sewage
flows out of the tank and into either
a clay tile or perforated pipe that is
laid in trenches. Leaching tile fields
are designed to keep all of the
effluent on lot.
c. Cesspool
The simplest form of environmental
protection for wastewater. There is
no processing or water treatment
involved.
d. Filter System
Used in low and marshy ground
adjacent to a stream, requires
careful design and frequent
inspection and servicing.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
3 levels of Wastewater treatment:
 Primary
 Removes about 60% of total
suspended solids and about
35% of BOD; dissolved
impurities are not removed.
Grit Chamber- long narrow tanks
that slow down the flow so that
solids will settle out of the water
Sedimentation- also called primary
clarifiers, provide 2 hours of
detention time for gravity setting t
take place. Primary Sludge- settled
solids. Sludge is collected in a
hopper, where it’s pumped for
removal.
 Secondary
 Removes more than 85% both
suspended solids and BOD.
Three Basic biological treatment
methods:
1. Trickling filter – tank filled with
a deep bed of stones
2. Activated Sludge- consists of an
aeration tank followed by
secondary clarifier. Diffused air
provides oxygen and rapid
mixing action. An active healthy
suspension of biological solids.
3. Oxidation Pond – also called
lagoons, are shallow ponds
designated to treat wastewater
through interaction of sunlight,
bacteria, and algae
 Tertiary
 When more than 85% of total
solids and BOD must be
removed, or when nitrate and
phosphate levels must be
reduced. Only used under
special circumstances.
Removal of plant nutrients –
Phosphorus is easily removed by
chemical precipitation. This process
increases the volume of sludge.
Nitrogen, another plant nutrient in
the form of ammonia (toxic to fish)
and nitrates is also removed.
Nitrification-denitrification – used
to remove nitrates.
Land Treatment – when
wastewater flows over vegetation
and percolates through the soil.
3 types of Land Treatment:
 Slow-rate – most of the water is
absorbed by vegetation
 Rapid Infiltration – wastewater
stored in large ponds are called
recharge basins. Most of it
percolates to the groundwater
 Overland flow – water is
sprayed onto inclined vegetated
terrace and slowly flows to
collection ditch
Clustered wastewater Treatment
Systems – when it is not feasible to
connect residences o units to public
sewer
Onsite Septic Tanks and Leaching
Fields – in rural areas, it is not
economical to build sewage
systems and centrally located
treatment plant.
Disinfection – destroys any
remaining pathogens accomplished
by mixing effluent with chlorine gas.
Ultraviolet Radiation – can disinfect
without leaving any residual
effluent
RECYCLE
Recycle Water
 Also known as water reclamation
 Highly treated wastewater
 Can be planned or unplanned:
Unplanned- water reuse refers to
situations in which a source of water is
substantially composed of previously
used water
Planned- water reuse refers to water
systems designed with the goal of
beneficially reusing a recycled water
supply
History of Water Reuse:
 19th Century – unintended wastewater
reuse also took place through operation
of sewage farms
 Beginning of 20th Century – start of
planned water reuse

 1984 – Tokyo Metropolitan
Government pioneered the use of
reclaimed water for flushing.
When did recycling water started in the
Philippines?
The Philippine Green Building Code requires
that 30% of the facilities' water consumption be
recycled and reused via its STP, for non-potable
purposes. The ecosystem has been enabling its
clients in the Philippines recycle and reuses
their sewage water since 2004
3 Types of Water:
1. Storm Water – rain water
2. Area Water – also called grey water,
wastes from laundries, washbasins,
sinks, shower and tub.
3. Black Water – water with human waste
Recycling Storm Water:
Storm water harvest and reuse system is a
constructed system that captures and retains
storm water for beneficial use at a different
time or place than when or where the storm
water was generated.
Type of Harvesting Rain Water:
● Direct Pumped - pump is located
within the underground tank and
harvested water is simply pumped
directly to the WCs or other appliances.
● Indirect Pumped - instead a booster
pump set is used to provide a
pressurised supply.
● Indirect Gravity - this type of system
differs in that the harvested water is
first pumped to a high level tank
(header tank), then allowed to supply
the outlets by gravity alone.
Recycling Area Water :
● Recycled greywater is commonly used
in irrigation and constructed wetlands –
as long as no harmful chemicals are
present.
● Greywater that contains food
particles can nourish plants; it can also
be used for washing and flushing toilets.
● Greywater offers an economical
water source for those who do not have
access to mains or are unable to collect
enough rainwater for indoor use.
How to Recycle Wastewater:
1. First, wastewater is collected from
appliances and fed into a collection
unit (via pumps or gravity).
2. From here, the wastewater is
pumped into a treatment system for
‘ultrafiltration’.
3. The treated water is stored in a tank
before being pumped out for re-use in
toilet flushing or irrigation on-demand.
Recycling Black Water:
Black water recycling is used for applications
such as water landscaping or for flushing toilets.
It is also possible to make black water suitable
for drinking

Advantages:
 Save money and water
 Helps environment
 Help reduce carbon footprint