MODULE NAME: CONSTRUCTION OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM;

MODULE CODE: WRU07416.

MODULE CONTENTS:

At the end of this module student should be able to;

➢ Describe resources mobilization for Water Supply System.

➢ Explain, prepare Construction Scheduling for Water Supply Projects.
➢ Evaluate, analyze and describe in detail Resources for Construction of Water
Supply System.
➢ Describe Construction of Water Supply Infrastructure.
➢ Explain Water Treatment Structures construction.
➢ Explain Rainwater Harvesting Systems

1. Resource Mobilization for Construction of Water Supply Systems

1.1. Mobilization involves assembling and preparing all necessary resources before the
actual construction begins. This ensures that all materials, workforce, and equipment
are available on-site and properly organized.
Mobilization includes:
• Planning: Identifying what materials, manpower, equipment, and finances are
required.

• Procurement of Materials: Ensuring that necessary construction materials such as

cement, sand, gravel, pipes, and reinforcement steel are available.
• Workforce Deployment: Hiring skilled and unskilled labor.
• Equipment Allocation: Arranging excavation machinery, concrete mixers, welding
tools, etc.
• Transportation and Logistics: Ensuring all resources reach the site in a timely and
cost-effective manner.
• Site Preparation: Setting up site offices, material storage areas, and worker
accommodations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring permits and environmental clearances are
obtained before work begins.
1.2. Sources of Resources

Sources of Materials, Finance, Equipment, and Manpower

• Materials: Obtained from quarries, hardware stores, and industrial suppliers.

Cement – Used for concrete structures.

Sand and gravel – Essential for concrete mix and bedding of pipes.

Steel reinforcement – Provides strength to concrete structures.

Pipes (PVC, HDPE, GI, Steel, Concrete) – Used for water distribution.

Fittings (Valves, Joints, Elbows, Reducers) – Connect pipes and control water flow.

Finance: Financial Resources

• Government funding (Public infrastructure projects).

• Private sector investments.

• Loans and grants from development agencies (World Bank, NGOs).

• Community contributions.

Equipment: Rented, leased, or purchased from construction equipment suppliers.

Examples of Equipment used in Construction of Water Supply System

Heavy machinery: (Excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, concrete mixers).

Transportation vehicles: (Trucks, cranes).

Measuring tools :(Tape measures, theodolites, spirit levels RTK).

Manpower: Includes engineers, project managers, plumbers, welders, and general

laborers.
Types of Construction Manpower.

• Engineers (Civil, mechanical, and water supply engineers.) – Design and oversee
the construction process.

• Supervisors: Monitor progress and ensure compliance.

• Technicians: Operate specialized equipment.

• Surveyors – Mark out levels and pipe routes.

 • Masons and carpenters – Build structures like tanks and treatment units.

• Plumbers and pipefitters – Install and join pipes.

• Laborers – Perform excavation, loading, and site maintenance.

1.3. Acquisition and Transportation

Means for Acquisition

• Direct Purchase: Buying from local and international suppliers.
• Tendering and Contracts: Awarding contracts through bidding.
• Leasing: Renting machinery to reduce costs.

Transportation: heavy materials and equipment are transported using trucks, trailers,
cranes, loaders, and forklifts.
1. Means for Storage
• On-site Storage: Using warehouses, temporary shelters, and fenced enclosures.
• Secured Storage: Lockable facilities for high-value equipment.

Protective measures/ Storage considerations:

o Cement should be kept in dry, moisture-free storage.

o Steel should be protected from rust and corrosion.

o Pipes should be stored in shaded areas to prevent UV damage.

2. Construction Scheduling for Water Supply Projects

2.1. Components of a Construction Schedule

• CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE.
• A construction schedule is a detailed plan outlining the tasks, resources, and
timelines needed to complete a project on time and within budget. It’s
essentially a roadmap for the entire construction process, helping to manage
resources, track progress, and identify potential delays.

• Key components/Elements of a Construction Schedule:

• Task Breakdown Structure (Task list: Defines specific construction activities).

Breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks.

• Task Sequencing: Determining the order in which tasks must be completed.

• Timeline: Assigning specific start and end dates for each task and milestone.
 • Resource Allocation: Identifying the resources (labor, equipment, materials)
needed for each task.
• Milestones: Identifying key checkpoints or deliverables throughout the
project.
• Dependencies: Identifying tasks that rely on the completion of other tasks.
• Risk assessment: Identifying potential risks and planning for contingencies
/emergency
• Budget Allocation: Allocating funds to each task or phase of the project.
• Communication Plan: Establishing how information will be shared among
stakeholders.

Benefits of a Construction Schedule:

• Improved Time Management: Helps ensure projects are completed on time.
• Enhanced Resource Utilization: Optimizes the use of labor, equipment, and
materials.
• Better Cost Control: Helps track spending and identify potential cost overruns.
• Reduced Delays: Helps identify and mitigate potential delays.
• Improved Communication: Provides a clear and concise overview of the
project for all stakeholders.
• Easier Progress Tracking: Allows for easy monitoring of progress and
identification of potential issues.

2.2. Interpretation of Working Drawings

To effectively interpret construction working drawings, understand the symbols,

notations, scales, and dimensions used, and review floor plans, elevations, sections,
details, schedules, and specifications. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification and seek
feedback from the source of the drawings.

• Types of Drawings:

types of drawings, includes

floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules,3dviews and specifications.

Assignment

Draw and detail the intake structure.

Understanding the Components:

• Title Block and Legend: The title block provides crucial information about the
drawing, including project name, location, drawing number, and revision
history. The legend or key explains the symbols and notations used on the
drawing.

• Floor Plans:

Floor plans provide a bird's-eye view of each level of the building, showing the layout of
spaces, circulation paths, and functional zones.

• Elevations:

Elevations show the exterior views of the building, detailing the height of doors and
windows, the slopes of roofing, and materials used for walls.

• Sections:

Sections provide a cross-sectional view of the building, showing how different elements
are constructed and how they relate to each other.

• Details:

Details provide a closer look at specific areas or components of the building, showing
how they are constructed and assembled.

• Schedules and Specifications:

Schedules list quantities and types of materials, while specifications provide detailed
information about materials, finishes, and construction methods.

2.3. Identifying Construction Tasks

• Site Preparation: Clearing land, grading, and leveling.

• Excavation: Digging trenches for pipelines and foundations.

• Foundation Work: Reinforcement and concrete pouring.

• Superstructure Construction: Tanks, pump stations, and treatment units.

• Pipeline Installation: Laying, joining, and securing pipes.

• System Testing: Conducting pressure and leakage tests.

2.4. Identifying Resources for Each Task

• Excavation: Requires bulldozers, backhoes, and manual labor.
 • Concrete Works: Needs cement, sand, aggregates, and mixers.
• Pipelaying: Uses PVC, ductile iron, or HDPE pipes along with fittings and welding
tools.

Establishing a Time Frame

A typical water supply project may follow this schedule:
• Week 1-2: Site preparation and mobilization.
• Week 3-8: Excavation and foundation work.
• Week 9-16: Pipelaying and tank construction.
• Week 17-20: Testing and commissioning.

2.4. Resource Planning

• Determining material quantities using bill of quantities (BoQ).

• Scheduling labor and equipment usage to avoid delays.

2.5. Time Management

• Identifying dependencies between tasks to avoid bottlenecks.

• Adjusting for weather conditions, holidays, and unforeseen delays.

3. Resources for Water Supply System Construction

3.1. Types of Construction Manpower

• Professional Staff: Engineers, architects, surveyors.

• Technical Workers: Masons, plumbers, welders, electricians.

• General Laborers: Handle excavation, material transport, and cleanup.

3.2. Construction Materials, Equipment, and Plants

• Pipes and fittings – PVC, HDPE, GI, steel.

• Storage tanks – Concrete, steel, plastic.

• Treatment plant equipment – Filters, chlorinators, pumps.

3.3. Properties of Construction Materials

i. Cement:
o High compressive strength.
o Quick setting time.
o Resistant to weathering when properly cured.
 o Provides durability in concrete structures.
ii. Sand:
o Fine aggregate for concrete and mortar.
o Should be free from organic impurities and silt.
o Helps in reducing shrinkage and cracking.
iii. Gravel/Aggregates:
o Used in concrete for strength.
o Must be clean, strong, and well-graded.
o Reduces shrinkage and provides durability.
iv. Steel Reinforcement:
o High tensile strength.
o Provides flexibility and resistance to bending forces.
o Protects against cracking and structural failure.
v. Pipes (PVC, HDPE, Ductile Iron):
o PVC: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, suitable for potable water.
o HDPE: Flexible, durable, resistant to chemicals.
o Ductile Iron: High strength, impact-resistant, used for high-pressure
systems.
vi. Concrete:
o Made of cement, sand, aggregates, and water.
o High compressive strength.
o Must be properly mixed and cured for durability.
vii. Bricks and Blocks:
o Used in tank and chamber construction.
o Should have high compressive strength and low water absorption.
viii. Valves and Fittings:
o Ensure control and regulation of water flow.
o Made from brass, stainless steel, or plastic.

4. Construction of Water Supply Infrastructure

4.1. Construction of Water Intakes and Storage Tanks

• Types of Intakes: River, lake, borehole, rainwater collection.

• Tank Types: Concrete, steel, plastic, underground, and elevated tanks.

• Construction Process:

o Site clearance and excavation.

o Foundation work with reinforced concrete.

o Wall construction using concrete blocks or formwork.

o Roof/slab construction for covered storage tanks.

 o Curing and finishing for durability.

4.2. Construction of Water Supply Pipelines

• Types of Pipeline Systems:

o Rising mains: Transport water from a low elevation to a higher elevation.

o Gravity mains: Transport water using gravitational flow.

o Distribution networks: Deliver water to consumers.

• Pipeline Installation Process:

o Trenching and excavation.

o Pipe laying and joining (welding, threading, fusion bonding).

o Backfilling and compacting soil around pipes.

4.3. Pressure Testing and Leakage Detection

• Hydrostatic testing: Filling the system with water and monitoring pressure drop.

• Pneumatic testing: Using compressed air to detect leaks.

5. Water Treatment Structures

5.1. Aeration Structures

• Purpose: Remove gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and iron.

• Types:

o Cascading aerators.

o Diffused air aerators.

o Spray aerators.

5.2. Coagulation and Flocculation Structures

• Purpose: Remove suspended particles from water.

• Construction Process:

o Excavation, foundation preparation, reinforcement.

o Installation of chemical dosing systems.

5.3. Sedimentation and Filtration Units

• Purpose: Remove larger particles before final treatment.

• Construction: Reinforced concrete basins, filter media installation.

5.4. Disinfection Units

• Purpose: Kill bacteria and pathogens.

• Types:

o Chlorination tanks.

o UV disinfection units.

6. Rainwater Harvesting Systems

A rainwater harvesting system captures and stores rainwater from surfaces like rooftops
for later use, typically for irrigation, non-potable applications, or even with treatment,
for potable water.

Rainwater harvesting system Water system for utilizing rainwater, consisting of a

cistern, pipe, fittings, pumps and/or other plumbing appurtenances, required for and/or
used to harvest, store and distribute rainwater.

Components:

• Catchment Area: The surface that collects rainwater, such as a roof.

• Gutters and Downspouts: Channel the rainwater from the roof to a storage
vessel.

• Storage Vessel: A tank or cistern to store the collected rainwater.

• Filter: Removes debris and sediment from the rainwater.

• Pump (Optional): If needed to distribute the water to different locations.

• Control Panel (Optional): Manages the system, including pump operation and
water level monitoring.

How it Works:

1. Rainfall: Rain falls onto the catchment area (e.g., roof).

2. Collection: Gutters and downspouts direct the rainwater to the storage vessel.
 3. Filtration (Optional): The water passes through a filter to remove debris.

4. Storage: The filtered water is stored in the tank or cistern.

5. Distribution: When needed, the water can be pumped to various uses like
irrigation, flushing toilets, or washing machines.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting:

• Water Conservation: Reduces reliance on municipal water supplies.

• Cost Savings: Lower water bills and reduced energy consumption.

• Environmental Benefits: Reduces strain on water resources and helps manage

stormwater runoff.

• Sustainability: Promotes sustainable water management practices.

• Reduced Strain on Water Supply: Helps to conserve water resources and reduce
the strain on the water supply.

• Meeting Local Government Requirements: Some areas have regulations

encouraging rainwater harvesting.

6.1. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Types of Rainwater Harvesting Techniques

Rainwater harvesting techniques can be divided into two basic groups,

Rooftop catchment techniques and ground catchment techniques.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting techniques are the most widely used type of

RWH especially in urban areas.

Ground catchment techniques enable collection of water from a larger ground

surface. They include:

i. Small dams: these are dams having maximum capacity of 10,000 m3 and

height of the wall not exceeding 5m. The dams are divided into three

main categories namely: Charco dams, Hillside dams and Valley dams.

ii. Sand dams: these are structures constructed within a seasonal sandy

river or stream to capture and store base flows. This technique is widely
used in semi-arid rural areas (i.e. Shinyanga, Simiyu. Singida and Tabora

Regions)

iii. Rainwater collected from roads: this is one of the technique whereby

water flowing through road ditches, side drains, depressions, paved area

and culverts is collected and stored for different uses. Pan, ponds and

small dams are used to store water collected from roads. Also, such water

can serve for groundwater recharging purposes.

iv. Lined water bodies/ponds: LDPE and PVC liners are normally used to

line the pond footprint area in order to reduce loss of water through

seepage. This is normally applicable within the porous geological areas.

v. Paved Catchment: the catchment area is paved by either clay (mud) or

concrete liners, and rainwater is normally collected into sub-surface

storage facilities.

2.2 General Conditions to consider in Planning for RWH

In planning for a RWH technology application there are essential parameters which

have to be considered, including the ones highlighted below.

• Collects water using gutters and directs it to a storage tank.

6.2. Ground-Based Rainwater Harvesting

• Uses underground reservoirs to store and filter rainwater.

RAIN WATER HARVEST GUIDLINE BY MOW pg 18-35