ABSTRACT
A municipality's water distribution and conveyance system serves two pur-poses: it carries raw water from a source to the plant, and it carries the finished water to the consumer (see Figure 9.1). Distribution systems consist of seven basic elements:
Gravity distribution, pumping without storage, or pumping with storage are the three common distribution methods in use. When the water supply source is well above the community's elevation, gravity distribution is possible. The least desirable method, pumping without storage provides no reserve flow, and pressures fluctuate substantially. With this method, facilities must use sophisticated control systems to meet unpredictable demand. Pumping with storage is the most common method of distribution (McGhee, 1991).
