Water Supply System

RESERVOIRS
METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION

 The method of distribution depends upon the topography of the area. The
following methods or systems may be adopted for distribution:
1- Gravity system
2- Pumping system
3- Combined gravity and pumping system
Gravity System

 In the gravity system, the

source of the water supply
is so located with respect
to the area of distribution
that water is available
with sufficient pressure at
various points of the area.
No pumping is normally
required. However if the
purification units are
located on a hill, and the
source of water supply (i.e
a lake or reservoir) is also
located behind the hill,
pumping may be required
to convey water from the
raw water source to the
purification works. The
purified water then flows
entirely under gravity.
This is the most reliable
and economical
distribution system.
Gravity System
 In the gravity system, the source of
the water supply is so located with
respect to the area of distribution
that water is available with sufficient
pressure at various points of the area.
No pumping is normally required.
However if the purification units are
located on a hill, and the source of
water supply (i.e a lake or reservoir)
is also located behind the hill,
pumping may be required to convey
water from the raw water source to
the purification works. The purified
water then flows entirely under
gravity. This is the most reliable and
economical distribution system.
Pumping system
 In this system, water is pumped
directly into the distribution
system to achieve the required
pressure,. Such a system is not
desirable. Tenerally double
pumping is required, first to pump
raw water from the source to the
treatment works and then to pump
purified water direct into the
distribution mains. The pmumps
have to be run at varying speeds
accoding tho the variations in the
consumption. In case of the power
failure, the entire water
distribution system of the locality
is distrurbed. The system also
requires constant attendance.
 Pumping system
 In this system, water is
pumped directly into the
distribution system to achieve
the required pressure,. Such
a system is not desirable.
Tenerally double pumping is
required, first to pump raw
water from the source to the
treatment works and then to
pump purified water direct
into the distribution mains.
The pmumps have to be run
at varying speeds accoding
tho the variations in the
consumption. In case of the
power failure, the entire
water distribution system of
the locality is distrurbed. The
system also requires constant
attendance.
Combined gravity and pumping system
 This is the most common
system adopted in most of the
cases. Generally, the water
purification works are located
almost at the same level as
the area of distribution –
specially when source of raw
water supply is a river or a
reservoir formed behind a
dam. In order to obtain
sufficient distribution
pressure, filtered water is
pumped into clear water
reservoirs located either on a
higher ground or elevated on a
tower. The water from the
elevated reservoir then flows
under gravity.
 Combined gravity and pumping system
 In this system, the treated water is
pumped at a constant rate and stored
into an elevated distribution reservoir,
from where it is distributed to the
consumers by the mere action of gravity.
Sometimes, the entire water is first of
all pumped into the distribution
reservoir, and many a times, it is pumed
into the distribution mains and reservoirs
simultaneously
 The excess water during low demand
periods gets stored in the reservoir
during low consumption nearly equals
the extra demand during high
consumption.
Advantages of the Combined gravity and
pumping system
 This type of system is invariably and almost universally adopted because of its following
advantages:
 1- the balancing reserve of the distribution reservoir can be supplied to the places of fire.
However, the necessary pressure required to be developed for fire fighting can be achieved
by closing down the supply of some localities of by using motor pumpers.
 2- The pumps are to be worked at uniform rate and thereby operating them to their rated
capacities. This increases their efficiency and also reduces the wear and tear of the
pumps. The attendance and supervision required for operating these pumps is much less
compared to the case when they are operated at variable speeds.
 This method is quite reliable because even during the power failure or pumps failure,
certain amount of water can be supplied from the storage or service reservoir.
 This system proves to be overall cheap, efficient and reliable.
PRESSURE IN DISTRIBUTION MAINS
 From the time the water enters the distribution mains, and up to the time it
comes out at a comsumer’s tap, water-head is constantly lost in overcoming
friction of the pites (HL) and also in the fittings, meters, valves, etc..
 The net available head at a consumer’s doorstep is thus reduced by these losses.
This net available head or effective head (H) is the most important pressure,
because it will make the water rise up to the different storey heights.
 The greater this pressure, the greater will be the height up to which water will be
able to rise. For example, if this pressure is 0.6kg.cm2 (60kN/m2), then naturally,
water can, at the most, rise by 6m, and not above that.
 For this reason, it is necessary that sufficient pressures are maintained in the
distribution system, so as to supply water to the consumers up to the desired
heights. It is also necessary to keep the losses in the distribution pipes and
fittings to a minimum.
PRESSURE IN DISTRIBUTION MAINS
 The municipal water supplies in India are mostly under-developed
because they ensure the water supply only to the ground floors or at
the most to the first floor consumers.
 The distribution system in Indian cities is required to take a maximum
pressure head of hardly 8 to 15 meters; wheeas in America, the
normal minimum pressure maintained is of the order of 20m to
30meters.
 Pressures in excess of 70m in the distribution system are generally
undesirable and maximum allowable pressure is of the order of 100m.
SYSTEMS OF WATER SUPPLY: CONTINOUS
SYSTEM
 In the continuous system, water is available to the consumers for all the 24
hours of a day. No doubt, this is the best system since water is available as
and when it is needed, but this leads to the wasteful use of water. If there
are some minor leakages etc.. In the system, great volume of water is wasted
because of long duration of flow. This system can be adopted only when
sufficient quantity of water is available. In this system, water is not stagnant
in the pipe at any instant, and hence fresh water is always available.
SYSTEMS OF WATER SUPPLY:
INTERMITTENT SYSTEM
 In this system, water is supplied to the consumers only during some fixed
hours of the day ----say two to four hours in the morning and two to four
hours in the evening. This method is adopted when either sufficient pressure
is not available or when sufficient quantity is not available. Under these
conditions, various distribution zones of the city are supplied water by turn.
DRAWBACKS OF THE INTERMITTENT
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
 THE intermitten system has the following drawbacks:
 Fire demand. If fire breaks in a supply zone during non-supply period, the
rescue operations cannot be effectively done. Water cannot be brought from
other zones quickly, and fire damage will be more.
 Domestic storage. The intermitten system requires the provison of small
storage tanks in individual houses so that sanitary fittings in the house can
work effectively during preiods of no supply.
 Pollution in supply. During the non-supply period, the pressure in the supply
line may fall below atmospheric pressure. This may induce suction through
leaking joints. When the pipe line is laid near the swers et…this may lead to
severe pollution and contamination problems.
DRAWBACKS OF THE INTERMITTENT
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
 THE intermittent system has the following drawbacks:
 Size of pipes. Greater sizes of pipes will be required since the supply of
whole day has to be made in a shorter period.
 Wastage from water taps. During the non-supply period, the water taps may
be left open unknowingly or due to negligence. This will lead to large
wastage of water during the supply period.
 Staff requirements. Since a number of valves of different types are fitted on
supply lines, many of which may be automatic, extra staff will be required to
operate and maintain these valves.
STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS

 Storage and distribution reservoirs are important units in a modern

distribution system. Clear water storage reservoirs are required for storage
of filtered water until it is pumped into the service reservoirs or distribution
reservoirs. The pumps may generally work for 8-10 hours a day. Hence the
clear water reservoirs should have a capacity to store filtered water
corresponding to 14 1o 16 hours average daily flow for storage when pumps
are idle.
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS
 Distribution reservoirs provide service storage to meet the widely fluctuating
demands often imposed on a distribution system, to provide storage for fire
fighting and emergencies and to equalize operating pressures. They may be
classified as “surface reservoirs” or “elevated reservoirs” according to their
position or classified according to the material of which they are built, such
as steal, reinforced concrete or masonry tanks. Distribution reservoirs are
mostly of elevated type. They serve the following purposes:
PURPOSES OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS

 1- They absorb the hourly variation in demand.

 2- If pumps are used, the provision of reservoirs makes it possible to run the
pumps at uniform rate.
 3- Their provision results in an overall reduction in the sizes of pumps, pipes
and treatment units. Thus the distribution system becomes economical.
 4- They serve as storage for emergencies such as outbreak of fire, failure of
pumps or bursting of mains.
 5- They maintain the desired pressure in the main constantly. In absence of
these, the pressure will fall the demand increases. They provide and
maintain desired pressure even in remote areas.
 6- Operation of the distribution system becomes very easy.
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS
 Storage and distribution reservoirs may be of three types:
 1- Surface reservoirs
 2- Elevated reservoirs
 3- Stand pipes
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS – SURFACE RESERVOIRS
 1- Surface reservoirs
Surface reservoirs are made mostly of masonry or concrete. Common practice is
to line surface reservoirs with concrete, granite, asphalt or asphaltic membrane
to check the leakage of water. Sometimes, these reservoirs may be built
underground, specially when they are of large size, and a part may be
constructed on its top.
It is common practice to construct surface reservoirs in two or more
compartments so that one unit can be cleaned or repaired while other units are
in operation. Surface reservoirs should be located at high points in the
distribution system, so that gravity supply can be done directly. In some cases,
however pumps are used to pump water from the clear water storage surface
reservoir to the elevated distribution reservoir.
TYPICAL SECTION OF A GROUND
RESERVOIR
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS – ELEVATED RESERVOIRS

 2- Elevated reservoirs
Elevated reservoirs are commonly known as overhead tanks. They may be
constructed of stone mansonry, reinforced concrete or steel erected at a certain
suitable elevation above the ground level and supported on towers. They are
constructed where the pressure requirements necessitate considerable elevation
above the ground surface and where the use of stand pipes becomes
impracticable.
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS – ELEVATED RESERVOIRS
 TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS – ELEVATED RESERVOIRS
 Various accessories of a reservoir
 1- Inlet pipe for the entry of water
 2- Outlet pipe connected to the distribution mains for the exit of water
 3- Overflow pipe discharging into drain gutters and maintaining constant level
 4 – A float gauge or an indicator for indicating the depth of water which can be read from
outside
 5- A wash-out pipe (or drain pipe) for removing water after cleaning of the reservoir
 6- Automatic devices to stop pumping when the tank is full.
 7- Ladders to reach the top of the reservoir and then up to the bottom of the reservoir for
inspection.
 8- Manholes for providing entry into the tank for inspection purposes.
 9- Ventilator for fresh air circulation
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS - STANDPIPES
 3- Stand pipes
 Standpipes are normally employed where construction of a surface reservoir
would not provide sufficient head. A standpipe is essentially a tall cylindrical
tank whose storage volume includes an upper portion (the useful storage),
which is above the entrance to the discharge pipe and a lower portion
(supporting storage) which acts only to support the useful storage and provide
the required head. It is often possible to take advantage of hills or high
ground for a standpipe location, with a view toward enabling the entire
capacity of the tank usable.
TYPE OF STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
RESERVOIRS - STANDPIPES
LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS

 Distribution reservoirs should be located centrally or at least as near as

possible to the zone that they serve. In large metropolitan areas a number of
distribution reservoirs may be located at key points. They should be located
on high grounds or at sufficient elevation to maintain adequate pressure. A
central location of the reservoir will reduce friction losses in the distribution
pipes by reducing the length of pipes. Positioning the reservoir so that
pressures may be approximately equalized is an additional consideration of
importance. If the tank is not located centrally there will be large head loss,
and by the time water reaches the tail end of the supply, the pressure will be
too low to serve the community usefully. However, if the reservoir is
centrally located, the pressure over the whole distribution area is much more
uniform during periods of peak demand, the tank supplies in both the
directions (being emptied) while during the periods of low demand, pump
supplies water to both the tanks as well as the community.
LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS
furthest end of distribution area
 Distribution reservoirs
should be located
centrally or at least as
near as possible to the
zone that they serve.
In large metropolitan
areas a number of
LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS
closest to pumping station
 Distribution reservoirs
should be located
centrally or at least as
near as possible to the
zone that they serve.
In large metropolitan
areas a number of
LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS
central position
 Distribution reservoirs
should be located
centrally or at least as
near as possible to the
zone that they serve.
In large metropolitan
areas a number of
CAPACITY OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS

 The storage capacity of the distribution reservoir is based on the following

three requirements: 1- balancing or equalizing reserve 2- breakdown reserve
and 3- fire reserve.
 The magnitude of breakdown or emergency reserve depends upon the danger
of interruption of reservoir inflow by failure of supply works and upon the
time needed to make repairs. If repairs are expected to last only for a very
short duration, the emergency reserve is sometimes made no more than 25%
of the total storage.
 To compute the amount of storage required for balancing or equalizing
purposes, a mass diagram or hydrograph indicating the hourly rate of
consumption is required.
CAPACITY OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS

 India recommends that distributing reservoirs be made large enough to supply

water for fighting a serious conflagration for hours in communities of more
than 6000 people, and for 8, 6, and 4 hours in places with 4000, 2000 and
1000 people respectively. When reserve storage is elevated, the amount of
fire reserve may be determined from the following expression:
CAPACITY OF DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIRS

 Formula for the storage capacity of reservoirs

Methods for determining storage
capacity of reservoirs
 When a storage or distribution reservoir is to be designed for the purposes of
balancing or equalizing the flow, its storage capacity can be determined by
two methods:
 (a) Hydrograph method.
 (b) Mass curve method
Hydrograph method

 It is well known that

the daily hourly
water demand rate
is not constant
throughout the day.
The demand is more
during moring and
evening and less
during the other
parts of the day.
Mass-Curve method

 A mass curve of demand

is the cumulative
demand curve, and is
obtained by continuously
adding the hourly
demands and plotting
these against time
(hours) of the maximum
day
 The mass curve of supply
is therefore fist of all
drawn and superimposed
by the demand curve.
The amount of balancing
storage can then be
easily determined by
adding the maximum
ordinates between the
demand and the supply
lines.
 Yaounde water supply system
 Water supplied to Yaounde
citizens and inhabitants of the
surrounding cities for their daily
needs comes from two water
treatment centres; the
Akomnyada pumping station in
Mbalmayo with a daily yield
capacity of 100,000m3 and the
Mefou treatment plant with
35,000m3 . Purified water from
these treatment plants are
transported through pipeline
network to storage reservoirs and
towers before being distributed to
households. Concerning the city of
Yaounde, there are 11 great
reservoirs and 14 towers holding
total capacity storage of
114,000m3 of water (Table 1).