ABSTRACT
Water distribution systems are manmade systems that transfer water from water sources to distribution points, from where water is then distributed among different users. This chapter provides an overview of water distribution systems and their main components. It focuses on the current practice of how to design, operate, and manage these systems. The main components of water distribution systems are pipes, pumps, storage tanks, valves, and fire hydrants. Other components may include loggers/sensors, meters, and so on. Depending on the location of water sources and the topography of the supply area, different types of water distribution systems can be considered, including: gravity-based systems, pumped supply systems and combined-pumped and gravity-based system. Climate and global changes and asset deterioration are putting great pressure on water systems. Some of the challenges in the water sector include climate change risks, water efficiency, reducing abstraction, leakage, and interruption to water supplies, by improving management of incidents by modelling, forecasting, mitigating, and responding.
