Water Distribution

Systems

Distribution systems
Designed to adequately satisfy water requirements for combination of:
Domestic use
Commercial Use
Industrial Use
Fire-fighting

Have to consider:
Flow
Pressure
Quality

Distribution System Classifications

Branching System

Grid System

Combination system

System Type Advantages

Branching System

Grid System

Combination System

System Requirements
Commercial
Pressure greater than 60 psig typically required

Residential
Pressure of 40 to 50 psig

Tower Buildings
Intermediate booster pumps with storage tank on top

Select pipe sizes to avoid hig velocities

Velocities typically between 3 to 5 fps at peak flows
* Inch pipes recommended in areas were fire-fighting demands
are expected. 6 inch pipe may be used if a grid type system is
used and length between connections is lesss than 600 feet.

A typical distribution system layout

Hydraulic grade lines

Distribution Reservoirs and Service Storage

Storage reservoirs are used to meet fluctuating demands, to
accommodate fire-fighting and emergency requirements, and
equalize operating pressures.
Types of storage reservoirs:
Surface reservoirs
Standpipes
Elevated storage tanks

Locate reservoirs and storage to maximize benefits. Usually

near the center of use.

High enough to supply necessary pressure in the system

Modes of Operation

Demand light pumping station will met needs in system and

supply water to storage tank.
Demands high both the tank and the pumping station will be
needed to supply the flow