Water Supply

Prepared by :Kamisetty Nihaarika

Typical Piped Water Supply System :
Typical Village/town water supply system constitutes of a gravity/pumping based transmission
and distribution system from local/distant water source with needed water treatment system.
Sources of Water Ground water:
• Open well, tube well/bore well, hand pump are sources which make water available from
ground.
Open Well:
• Where ground water is available at low depth (less than 15 meters - and water is available
all year round, open well is used.
Hand Pump:
• Where safe ground water is available up to 60 m depth, hand pump is ideal choice for a
cluster or habitation.
Bore Well/Tube Well:
• Where ground water is at greater depth and open wells or hand pumps are not viable, bore
well or tube well is installed.

Surface Water:
• River, pond, dam site are sources where
surface water is available.
• Moreover, rain water can be harvested and
stored directly in storage tanks.
• This water is potable after first rain and can
be used for drinking purpose also.
Types of Water Supply :
a. Continuous :
• In this system, there is continuous water supply (for 24 hours).
• This is possible where adequate quantity of water is available.
• The major advantage of such system is that due to continuous water supply, water
remains fresh and rusting of pipes will be low.
• However, losses of water will be more in case of any leakage.
b. Intermittent :
• In such system, supply of water is either done in whole village/town for fixed hours or
supply of water is divided into zones and each zone is supplied with water for fixed hours
in a day or as per specified day.
• Such system is followed when there is low water availability, however, in certain cases,
wastage of water is more due to tendency of community for storing higher amount of water
than required.
• In such system, pipelines are likely to rust faster due to wetting and drying.
• However, maintenance can be easily done during no-supply hours
Classification of Water based on its Availability :
A. Local Source:
• Sources which are available at village/town level like river, pond, open wells and bore wells.
B. Distant Source:
• When perennial reliable and safe source is not available, pipeline from distant sources can
be laid.
• This bulk water is available from river, pond, dam, bore wells or storage tank itself, where
water is available.

Water Treatment :
• Water from source is treated at village level and even at household level, if needed.
• If bulk water available from the distant source is treated and potable, then further treatment
may not be required at village level.
• There are various processes of treatment based on the source and quality of water in
specific region.
• Village/town level water treatment systems are located mainly near head works.
• The treatment units are located in such a manner, where possible that flow of water from
one unit to other can be done by gravity, so that additional pumping of water is not required.
• Sufficient area should be reserved near the treatment units for further expansion in future.
• Basic treatment system at village/town level involves removal of suspended solids through
sedimentation, removal of micro-organisms and colloidal matter through sand/gravel filters,
water softening through reverse osmosis (RO) system, disinfection through chlorination and
any other chemical/specialised treatment for removal of fluoride, salinity etc.
• Treatment at household level is needed as there may be chances of water contamination
while transmission of water.
• This mainly includes basic filtration for removal of any silt, etc.; boiling for removal of micro
organisms or chlorination for disinfection.
• It is very important to carry out water test in order to decide upon the type of treatment.
• It is also essential to carry regular water testing from various points starting from source to
distribution points to maintain potable water quality.
Water Supply Mechanism :
Pump House and Pumping Machinery:
• Pump is used to fetch water from source like bore well, open well, sump or ground water
storage and supply it to pipelines or elevated storage.
• There are three main components: a) pump, b) electrical or oil engine, c) panel board.
• Pump house is constructed for security and safety of machineries.
• Rising Main: The delivery line carrying water from pump to storage tank (elevated or
ground) is called rising main.
Storage Facilities :
Elevated Surface Reservoir (ESR) or elevated storage tank:
• ESR is constructed, where water is to be supplied at
elevated height (less than the level of ESR) or where the
distance is large and topography is undulating.
• Generally, ESR is at height more than 15 m.
• Water can be distributed directly from this storage tank by
gravity or pump.
Ground Service Reservoir (GSR):
• GSR is ground level or plinth level storage tank.
• The plinth level is generally not more than 3 m.

• Storage capacity of the service reservoirs is estimated based on pumping hours, demand
and hours of supply, electricity available for pumping.
• Systems with higher pumping hours require less storage capacity.
• Normally, such reservoirs are calculated to store half to one day daily water requirement.
Sump:
• Sump is used as additional storage at village/town level or cluster level.
• It is not used for direct distribution of water.
• Rather, it is used as intermediate or contingency storage, to store water before it is
pumped to ESR/GSR.
• The underground storage tank in circular shape with dome line covering is called sump.
• Generally, the capacity of sump is more (one and half to two times) than ESR or GSR or
two to five days water requirement, so that if the supply is disturbed for that time, the
water is available for the people
Water Pumping :
• Pumping Machinery is used for transfer of water from one place to another and pumping
of water from water source.
• Pumping is required for
a) Lifting water from the source (surface or ground) to purification works or the service
reservoir.
b) Transfer of water from source to distribution system.
c) Pumping water from sump to elevated/ground surface tanks.
• Pump house (civil works) is constructed for installation of pumping machinery.
• Pump House is designed for life of at least 30 years, while pumping machinery is
designed for at least 15 years lifespan.
• Pumping Machinery consists of 3 major components:
a. Pump for lifting of water
• The function of pump is to transfer water to higher elevation or at higher pressure.
• Pumps are driven by electricity or diesel or even solar power.
• They are helpful in pumping water from the sources, that is from intake to the treatment
plant and from treatment plant to the distribution system or service reservoir.
b. Electric/diesel/solar powered motor
• For pumping, 3 phase electric connection is required.
c. Panel board
• Panel board consists of circuit breaker or switch and fuse, starter level controls etc for
transmission of electric supply.

For water supply system, three main types of pumps are used:
a. Centrifugal Pump
• Which is used for pumping water from well/sump.
• It is a type of velocity pump where water is moved through continuous application of
power.
• This type of pumps are used widely in water supply schemes containing sand, silt etc.
• Centrifugal force is made use of in lifting water.
• Electrical energy is converted to potential or pressure energy of water.
• The pump consist of following part:
- Casing
- Delivery Pipe
- Delivery Valve
- Impeller
 - Prime Mover
- Suction Pipe
- Strainer and Foot Valve
• The pump consists of an Impeller which is
enclosed in a water tight casing.
• Water at lower level is sucked into the impellor
through a suction pipe.
• Suction pipe is air tight.
• A strainer foot valve is connected at the bottom
of the suction pipe to prevent entry of foreign
matter and to hold water during pumping.
• Suction pipe is kept larger in diameter than
delivery pipe to reduce cavitations and losses
due to friction.
b. Turbine Pump :
• The principle of a pump used as turbine:
When water flows back through a pump, the
impeller will run in reverse and the pump will
function as a turbine.
• The energy recovered from pressure
differences, heads or flow can be fed back
into the system or into the mains.
• Turbine pumps are mainly used in elevation
of water from ground level storage to
elevated areas/storage or pumping from deep
wells/tube wells.
• If the water requirement is large and there is
a large source of falling water (head and flow
rate) nearby, turbine-pump sets can provide
the best solution.
c. Submersible pump :
• It is designed such that it can be introduced into
well casing and lowered to the bottom of the well.
• It is highly used for pumping from bore well and
underground sumps.
• Such pumps are used for water yield of 100 litres
per minute.
• It is driven by an electric motor, which is directly
attached to the pumping element and therefore
totally submerged.
• This pump type is mainly used where electric power
is available or ideally in combination with a Solar
Pumping System.

• The main parts of a submersible pump are:

a) Electric motor enclosed in a stainless steel sleeve.
b) Pump body with multiple impellers, foot valve and strainer.
c) Rising main of GI or stainless steel pipes connected with sockets or PVC hose.
• If a hose is used, the motor with connected pump body has to be hung from the top of the
well by a stainless steel cable.
d) Electrical cable for connecting the motor to the starting panel (power source).
e) Starting panel. Various sizes of submersible pumps are available, which can be installed

in casings of diameter 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12”.

• Submersible pump have high efficiency and durability, low operation cost and high
resistance to sand content
Criteria for Pump Selection for water supply :
• a) Type of pumping required, i.e. whether continuous, intermittent or cyclic.
• b) Present and projected demand and pattern of change in demand.
• c) The details of head and flow rate required.
• d) Type and duration of the availability of the power supply.
• e) Selecting the operating speed of the pump and suitable drive/driving gear.
• f) The efficiency of the pumps and consequent influence on power consumption and the
running costs.
• g) Ease in installation.
Type of Pipe Material for Pipelines for Water Distribution :
• Various types of pipes are used for water supply system including metallic and non-
metallic pipes.
• Most common types of pipes used for water supply system are:
a. Galvanized Iron Pipes – metal pipe
b. Mild Steel Pipes metal pipe
c. Poly Vinyl Chloride pipes - non- metal pipe
d. High Density Poly Ethylene Pipes - non metal pipe
e. Ductile Iron Pipes
• For water mains, mainly GI and MS pipes or even large HDPE pipes are used, while for
branch/service pipes, most commonly used are galvanized iron and HDPE/PVC pipes.
• DI pipes are used for both purposes.
1. Mild Steel Pipes :
• Number of joints are less as they are available in longer length.
• Pipes are durable and can resist high internal water pressure and
highly suitable for long distance high pressure piping.
• Flexible to lay in certain curves.
• Light weight and easy to transport. Damage in transportation is
minimal.
• Pipes are prone to rust and require higher maintenance.
• Require more time for repairs and not very suitable for distribution
piping.
• Available in diameter of 150-250 mm for water supply and cut
lengths of 4 - 7 m (2.6-4.5 mm wall thickness).
• Steel Pipes are joined with flanged joints or welding.
2. Galvanised Iron (GI) Pipes :
• Cheap in cost and light in weight.
• Light in weight and easy to join.
• Affected by acidic or alkaline water.
• GI pipes are highly suitable for distribution system. They are
available in light (yellow colour code), medium (blue colour
code) and heavy grades (red colour code) depending on the
thickness of pipe used. Normally, medium grade pipes (wall
thickness 2.6-4.8 mm) are used for water supply system.
• Normally, 15-150 mm size pipes (nominal internal diameter) are
used for distribution system. They are available in length of 3 m.
• GI pipes can be used in non-corrosive water with pH value
greater than 6.5.
• GI pipes can be used for rising main as well as distribution.
• GI pipes are normally joined with lead putty on threaded end.
3. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC unplasticised) Pipes :
• Cheap in cost and light in weight.
• Economical in laying and jointing.
• They are rigid pipes.
• Highly durable and suitable for distribution network.
• Free from corrosion and tough against chemical attack.
• Good electric insulation.
• Highly suitable for distribution piping and branch pipes.
• Less resistance to heat and direct exposure to sun. Hence, not
very suitable for piping above the ground.
• PVC pipes weigh only 1/5th of steel pipes of same diameter.
• Certain types of low quality plastic impart taste to water.
• Available in size 20-315 mm (nominal internal diameter) for water
supply with pressure class of 2.5, 4, 6, 8 & 10 kg/cm2 for water
supply. Ideally pipes with 6 kg/cm2 should be used
4. HDPE :
• Light in weight.
• Flexible than PVC pipes.
• HDPE pipes are black in colour.
• Suitable for underground piping and can withstand movement of
heavy traffic.
• Allows free flowing of water.
• Highly durable and suitable for distribution network.
• Free from corrosion.
• Good electric insulation.
• Useful for water conveyance as they do not constitute toxic
hazard and does not support microbial growth.
Domestic water piping systems :
Layout of distribution networks -
• Pipeline Distribution Networks Pipeline distribution networks are aimed at design of
suitable routes for piping.
• It is very important for proper water pressure, capital cost and operation and maintenance
cost.
• Different types of networks are adopted looking to the pressure requirement, operation and
maintenance (O&M) strategy adopted, cost parameter and over all length of distribution
system

a. Dead end distribution system

• In such system, sub main pipes are connected at
right angles from main pipeline and branch pipes are
connected to sub mains at right angles.
• This system is easy to lay. However, in case of failure in pipeline, it will be difficult to supply
water to the area ahead of affected area.
• Also pressure at the tail end will be low compared to other area and there will be
stagnation of water.
b. Grid Iron System :
• In such system main, sub main and
branch pipes are interconnected to
each other.
• A grid system is laid.

• Here, total length of pipeline required is high, but this helps in equitable water pressure.

• Also, blockage of pipes in one area does not affect the supply in the rest of area as there
are multiple supply points to any area.
• This will also help in avoiding water stagnation. The system required higher number of
valves.

Ring System :
• The whole system is enclosed by main pipeline in radial or
rectangular shape.
• Smaller areas are enclosed by sub main pipeline.
• In case of failure of system, very small area will be
affected.
• The area ahead of affected area can get water from other
point.
• The system requires higher number of valves.
• Here water can be supplied to any point from two
directions.

c. Radial System :
• The area is divided into different zones.
• The water is pumped into the distribution
reservoir kept in the middle of each zone and
the supply pipes are laid radially ending
towards the periphery.
Methods of Water Distribution :
• For efficient distribution system adequate water pressure required at various points.
• Depending upon the level of source, topography of the area and other local conditions,
the water may be forced into distribution system by following ways
- Gravity System
- Pumping System
- Combined gravity and pumping system

Gravity System :
• Suitable when source of supply is
at sufficient height
• Most reliable and economical
distribution system
• The water head available at the
consumer is just minimum required
• The remaining head is consumed
in the frictional and other loses
Pumping System :
• Treated water is directly into the distribution
main out storing
• Also called pumping without storage system
• High lifts pumps are required
• If power supply fails, complete stoppage of
water supply
• The method is generally not used

Combined Gravity and Pumping system :

• Most common system
• Treated water is pumped and stored in an elevated distribution reservoir
• Then supplies 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.
 Cold Water Supply System
• Cold water supply is nothing but an external water supply.
• However, cold water supply system can also use filter, water softener appliances, or any
other fixture.
• The connection for the cold water system is done in such a way that other appliances could
receive it through fixtures and taps.
• Such appliances include sinks, hot water heaters, faucets, bathtubs, showers etc.
Calculating Cold Water Storage Requirements :
• Public Health Engineering gives data for calculating cold water storage requirements for
various buildings.
• Table gives 24 hour storage requirements based on various fittings, e.g. Shower 140-230
litres, Bath 900 litres, WC 180 litres, Basin 90 litres, Sink 90-180 litres, Urinal 110 litres.
• BS6700 (2006) also gives Recommended minimum storage of cold water for domestic
purposes (hot and cold outlets)

Parts of water distribution system :

Service pipe :
The pipe from the water main or other source of potable water supply to the water distribution
system of the building served.
Distribution pipe/ supply pipe :
A pipe within the structure or on the premises which conveys water from the water service
pipe to the point of utilization.

Riser :
A water supply pipe that extends one full story or more to convey water to branches or to a
group of fixtures.
Fixture branch :
The water supply pipe between the fixture supply pipe & the water distributing pipe.
Fixture supply :
A water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.
Types of Water Supply Systems in a Building :
1. Direct Supply System
2. Indirect Supply System
3. Combined System
Direct Supply System :
• The supply of water is direct by using the
service pipe.
• The system is not suitable to supply water
in high rise buildings
Features of this system are:
• The water is clean and fresh (suitable for
drinking and cooking)
• Need a high water pressure.
• The storage tank is not required.
• During disruption there is no water stored.
• Any damage and leakage are very difficult
to detect.
Components :
Water main –
• The system of pipework which is to be found buried beneath the roads and streets which is
to convey water.
Ferrule –
• An insertion or connection to a water main is made by placing a special type of valve
directly on top of the main.
Communication pipe –
• The short length of buried pipe connecting the ferrule and the boundary stop valve.
Boundary stop valve –
• Normally found just at the perimeter of the property which it feeds.
Service stop valve –
• The service pipe terminates inside the building. A control device at the end of the pipe.
Rising main –
• Pipes that distribute cold water vertically.
• The direct system of cold water supply, all the cold water draw- off points are connected
directly to the rising main.
Branch pipes - Direct water supply to water supply points, sanitary appliances.
Indirect Supply System:

• The supply of water is Indirect by using the

water storage tank.
• Service pipe takes the water from the Main
pipe to storage tank.
Features of this system are:
• During disruption the supply of water
continues.
• The water supply is fixed.
• During high demand of water supply the
system helps to reduce the supply of water by
the main pipe.
• The cleanliness of water supplied from the
storage tank is not guaranteed.
• Damage to the ball valve of the storage tank
can cause wastage of water.
Hot water supply system :
• There are certain appliances that can be used to provide hot water, such as water heaters.
• Cold water supply system supplies a volume of water to such appliances, where they heat
the water and provide hot water.
• Hot Water Supply System It is very widely used for certain sectors such as for high-end
residential and commercial buildings.
Examples of areas that use hot water are as follows:
i. Medical
• Use in place for washing clothes, bed sheets, blankets and so on in order to remove
germs
• Use for the sterilization of medical equipment
• Use in study and research testing room, medical laboratory and chemistry laboratory
ii. Manufacturing
• Use in palm oil mill where the hot water is used to steam oil palm fruit.
• Use in textile and dyeing industries for dipping, dyeing and washing clothes
• Used in food canning industry for food preparation.
Hot Water Heating Method :
There are two type water heating
methods often used, namely;
Electric power:
• Systems that use electricity for
heating water comprise a cylinder
in which appropriate equipment
will heat the water. The cylinders
are the common galvanized steel
or copper cylinder.
• The cold water storage tanks or
the service pipe supplies the cold
water.
• The heater combines the water
heater with hot water storage
tank. The design is for use in
large buildings.
Solar energy:
• The use of solar energy is just for an additional
energy or as aid to heat water.
• The use of solar energy together with electric
heater.
• The cylinder gathers the hot water from the
collectors before sending to other heating tank.
• The heating tank will reheat the water before
sending to the user.
• It can save the cost of electricity.
• A high initial cost for using cylinder and tank.
Advantages of Solar Heating System :
• Safety - No gas leak, no dangerous explosion, no electricity mishaps.
• Savings - No electric bills, no gas bills – the product pays for itself.
• Convenient - Rain or shine. Enjoy a hot shower any time of the day.
Disadvantages of Solar Heating System :
• Additional roof top space is required to install the solar heater.
• Working of solar heaters depends up on abundance and availability of direct sun light.
• It heats only in day time, however if the storage tank is well insulated, heated water can
be stored and used even at night.
• It will not be very helpful in rainy season or foggy days.
Currently there are three main types of hot water systems in use :
• Open vented
• Unvented
• Instantaneous.
Hot Water Supply System Method :
1) Open vented hot water systems
This system uses many different parts to heat the water. It consists of a hot water cylinder, a
cold water storage cistern (tank), special pipework (known as an open vent pipe), and a heat
source to heat the water.
There are two types of open vented hot water;
Direct heating – the water is heated directly from the heat source either by an immersion
heater or by the boiler.
Indirect heating – the central heating and the hot water are separate. The water is heated
via a coil (heat exchanger) from a boiler. This is done because there is a set of radiators
connected to the boiler, in this case water in the central heating system slowly becomes
contaminated by iron residues from the radiators which would make the hot water unusable
for washing.
The cylinder - is the main part of the open vented hot water system;
this is where the hot water is heated. The heat can come from
• an immersion heater,
• directly from a boiler
• indirectly from a boiler using a coil fitted inside the cylinder.
Often the indirectly heated cylinders come with an immersion heater back up in case of a
boiler breakdown.
The cylinder coil (heat exchanger) - is the tube that is often fitted to a cylinder to heat up
water using the water from the central heating system. The pipe itself is coiled up inside the
cylinder to give as much chance as possible for the pipe to ‘touch’ the water in the cylinder
and heat it up.
The storage cistern - is the reservoir of cold water used to supply the cylinder. This is
always positioned above the cylinder to give a head of pressure (to make the water flow out
of the cylinder).
The open vent pipe - is the main safety setup for an open vented hot water system. It helps
the system cope with the expansion of water in the system. The open vent pipe should end
in the storage cistern allowing for the control of expansion of the hot water in the system.
2) Unvented hot water systems
• These systems are far more complicated, and have many more parts
to them but do allow near mains pressure hot water supply.
• They are designed to do away with the storage cistern and operate at
a much higher pressure than the open vented system.
• Pressure reducing valve - This is placed on the incoming cold water
main pipe to the hot water system to reduce the water pressure
slightly and keep it at a constant level of pressure.
• Line strainer - This is placed on the incoming cold water main pipe to
filter out any particles that might come from the cold water system,
because of the sensitive nature of some of the components (a small
piece of grit could cause them to malfunction), the strainer keeps
them clear.
• Expansion vessel - This is used to deal with the expansion of the
water in the system as it is heated. As water gets warmer it gets
bigger, by up to 4% in volume. The water has to go somewhere, the
expansion vessel is designed to store this extra water and stop the
parts of the system bursting.
Temperature and expansion relief valve –
• This valve is also part of the ‘sealed’ heating system. It is
designed to remove pressure from the system.

The tundish –
• This is connected to the pipe coming from the relief valve. This
device is placed in the pipeline to alert you to a fault in the
system, as you will be able to see the water flowing out of the
safety valve(s).
3.Instantaneous hot water heating systems
• This method involves using gas or electricity to heat the
water to a useable temperature without the need to store the
water. The electric versions use a coiled heating element to
heat the water rapidly in a similar way to a kettle or
immersion heater.
• The most common method to heat water is the use of a
combination boiler, this type of boiler works by using the
circuit that powers the central heating and diverting it to
another ‘water to water’ heat exchanger (heat swapping).
This part swaps out the heat from the heating water to the
hot water parts of your home.
• The boiler diagram works by heating the central heating
water and pumping it around to the diverter valve. This is
then diverted from the central heating circuit to go into the
water to the heat exchanger where it passes the heat from
the central heating water to the cold water coming into the
boiler.