Pipes, pumps and tanks maintain pressure and flow.
Networks of pipes, pumps, tanks and valves maintain pressures (typically 20–60 m head) and flow. Layouts: grid, ring, radial, tree. Analysed by Hardy Cross or EPANET; elevated storage balances peaks. Pipe materials: ductile iron, PVC, HDPE.
Fire hydrants require minimum pressure even at peak demand.
Distribution networks deliver water at the right pressure and flow, so their layout and pumps decide the quality of service.
Pipes, pumps and tanks maintain pressure and flow.
Distribution networks deliver water at the right pressure and flow, so their layout and pumps decide the quality of service.
Loops give alternative paths for water, which improves pressure and reliability when a pipe is closed for repair.
A storage tank that balances supply and demand, and it helps maintain pressure across the network.
Typical applications include modelling pressure in a town network to find weak areas, sizing pumps and storage tanks for a hilly district and locating pressure reducing valves to limit high pressure at low elevation.
Study "Water demand estimation" first (topic 80 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Residual pressure. Water age and quality. Leak detection and DMAs.
Fire hydrants require minimum pressure even at peak demand.
The next topic is "Wastewater treatment", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Advanced in Civil & Structural (topic 81 of 112). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Civil & Structural.
Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.