CEE 4634
Environmental Engineering Sessional II
Water Distribution Network
Course Teacher Maisha Hossain
Lecturer
Department of Civil & Environmental
Engineering Islamic University of Technology
INTRODUCTION
Currently, having identified aquifers as water sources and extracting water, the
next step is to deliver this water to consumers. The water supply system
includes:
1. Choosing pumps or pumping equipment to extract water from wells.
2. Incorporating Overhead Tanks (OHT) or reservoirs to store the groundwater
pumped from wells.
3. Utilizing a network of pipes for distributing water to consumers.
Transmission of water
Water is typically transported from its origin to consumers through two main phases:
Distribution, which involves larger mains, reservoirs, and sometimes pumps
Reticulation, which encompasses the interconnected network of pipes that ultimately deliver water to consumers.
Method of distribution
1. Gravity System:
A gravity system is a method of water supply that relies on gravitational force to transport water from its source
to its destination. In this setup, the water originates from a higher point relative to where it's needed, allowing it to
naturally flow downhill. A typical example is a rooftop rainwater collection system, where rainwater is gathered
from the roof and directed through channels and pipes to a storage tank situated at a lower elevation.
2. Direct Pumping System:
A system employing direct pumping is a water distribution setup that utilizes pumps to convey water directly
from its source to the intended point of use, bypassing any storage reservoir. In this arrangement, the water source
might be situated at a higher or lower altitude compared to the endpoint, and pumps are employed to propel the
water through pipelines directly to taps or faucets. For instance, a household well water system employs this
method, drawing water from a well on the premises and delivering it straight to the residence.
3. Pumping and Storage System:
A water supply configuration incorporating pumping and storage combines these elements to ensure a
consistent and dependable water flow. In this system, water is pumped from a source to a storage tank
positioned at a higher elevation than the point of use. Subsequently, the water is naturally distributed to the
desired location through gravitational force. When the water level in the storage tank decreases beyond a
certain threshold, the pumps are activated to replenish the tank.
An instance of such a system is found in rural water supply setups, where water is pumped from a well to a
storage tank situated atop a nearby hill. From there, the water is distributed by gravity to residences and
agricultural lands in the vicinity.
The primary disparity between this setup and the system with direct pumping lies in the absence of a
storage tank in the latter. Consequently, in a direct pumping system, the water supply hinges solely on the
functioning of the pumps. Any disruption, such as a power outage or mechanical malfunction, can lead to an
interruption in water supply. Conversely, the pumping and storage system offers a reservoir of water in the
storage tank. This reserve can be utilized during pump downtime or when water demand surpasses pump
capacity, ensuring continued water availability.
Good Distribution System
➢ It's imperative to maintain water quality at an acceptable level throughout the distribution pipeline.
➢ The system must ensure adequate water pressure to reach all designated locations.
• Minimum pressure for domestic use during peak demand is 30 psi.
• A pressure of 75 psi is satisfactory for buildings up to 10 storeys high.
➢ Sufficient water supply for firefighting purposes should be available without compromising normal water
usage pressure.
➢ The system should be engineered to prevent any consumer from experiencing water shortages during
maintenance activities.
➢ Distribution pipes should be positioned at a distance of at least one meter away from or above sewer lines.
➢ Efforts should be made to minimize water loss within the system.
Layout of Distribution Network
Distribution pipes are typically installed beneath road pavements, aligning with the layout of the roads.
Branched Network: Suitable for areas with irregular development. This network consists of branches, but dead
ends may impede water flow to certain points during repairs unless valves are controlled.
Looped Network: Suited for well-organized areas with clearly defined road patterns and structures. Water can
reach any point through alternative routes during repairs by controlling valves. However, this system entails a
higher initial cost.
In this assignment, we will be using branched network for residential and commercial zones. For the
industrial and administrative zones we will be using the looped network.
Branched Network
Design steps for Branched Network
Looped Network
Hardy Cross Approximation
Steps of Calculation
RESOURCES USED
1. Lecture notes of Samia Syeoti Ramim Miss
2. Lecture notes of Anika Tahsin Nabila
