ABSTRACT
The purpose of a water supply distribution system is to deliver to each consumer safe drinking water that is also adequate in quantity and acceptable in terms of taste, odor, and appearance. Distribution of drinking water to the community has been a global major concern for many centuries. In ancient times, the primary objective was to provide delivery of adequate amounts of water to centralized fountains and other locations designated for public gathering plus restricted areas of official residences. Distribution lines were simple, generally limited to a main trunk line with a few dead-end branches. Water flow was dependent on gravity and the continuous discharge from springs and mountain stream diversions. Water supply released into the distribution system becomes altered during its passage through pipes, open reservoirs, standpipes, and storage tanks. These changes are caused to a large extent by a variety of microbiological activities that occur as water passes through the distribution network.
