Question

2. How are water distribution systems categorized?

Answer 1

There are two systems of water supply:

a) Continuous system: Throughout the day supply continues and Leakage loss is more.

b) Intermittent system: Supply at fixed time and leakage and wastage loss is less. Though the appurtenances needs to be of better quality.

Basically the layout of the distribution system is categorized as follows:

a) Dead End system:

• Water can reach at a particular point only through one route, hence if some fault occurs, water supply gets disturbed in the whole area.
• There are many dead ends which prevents free circulation of water.
• Stagnanat water has to be removed periodically by providing scour valves, and hence wastage of treated water occurs.

b) Grid system:

• This is also known as reticular system.
• The mains, branches and laterals are all interconnected and hencedead ends are eliminated and water can reach at one location through more than one way.
• Confusing and tedious to design.
• Number of sluice valves required are more. Generally suitable for planned city.

c) Ring system:

• It consists of a main pipe all around the area. Then various branches are used to distribute water to the households.
• Design is easier but length of pipe required is more and hence costly.

d) Radial System:

• A big area is dividen into several zones and each zone has a separate distribution reservoir. This distrbutes the water in the zone.
• It gives higher service head and most efficient water distribution.
• Used in planned cities.