ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses water pipeline systems, whose function is to convey potable water from source points to users, as shown in Figure 8.1 [1]. Initially, water is impounded in catchment basins and their dams, from which it is conveyed via natural streams or aqueducts to a treatment plant. After treatment, the treated water is conveyed via transmission pipelines, terminal reservoirs, pressure zone tanks or reservoirs, pumping plants, distribution mains, and distribution branches to the customer. Figure 8.1 shows the water conveyed along the transmission pipelines to the distribution area as shown in Figure 8.2, in which a reservoir is located in each distribution area to store the water volume. These reservoirs also serve to smooth out fluctuations in demands. In order to maintain a reliable supply in emergency situations, a gridded distribution network is highly preferable. The water that is stored in the reservoir is supplied to all demand nodes via distribution mains and network system branches as shown in Figure 8.3. The distribution mains (also termed trunk mains) are the primary conveyance in the water network system, with the distribution branches being subsidiary pipelines to supply water to each customer. Service connections are the final link connecting (typically through a water meter) the distribution branch to the customer’s own plumbing, as shown in Figure 8.4.
