Plumbing: Water Distribution System Part 1

Water Sources, and Water Treatment

Rain Water

A source of water collected from roofs of buildings and sepcial water sheds and stored in cisterns or ponds.

Natural Surface Water

A source of water obtained from Ponds, Lakes, and Rivers

Ground Water

A source of water obtained fron underground by means of Mechanical & Manural equipment.

Acidity

A water quality problem caused by the entrance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Effects would be corrosion of non-ferrous pipes, and can be corrected by raising alkaline content by inrtoduction of a neutralizer.

Hardness

A water quality problem caused by the presence of magnesium and calcium salts. Effects would be clogging of pipes, and impaired laundry and cooking. Can be corrected by Boiling, and use of an ion exchanger (zeolite process).

Turbidity

A water quality problem caused by silt or mud in surface or in ground. Effects would be Discoloration, and Bad Taste. Can be corrected through Filtration.

Color

A water quality problem caused by presence of Iron and Manganese. Effects can be discoloration of fixtures and laundry. Can be corrected by oxidizing filter.

Pollution

A water quality problem caused by contamination by organic matter or sewage. Effect can spread Diseases. Can be treated with Chlorination.

Calcium, and Magnesium

These elements are treated because it produces hardness

Sulfur

This element is treated because it has Bad taste & odor, highly corrosive to plumbing, stains clothing, etc.

Salt

This element is treated because it has Bad Taste, and Highly Corrosive.

Pathogenic germs

This element is treated because it is unhealthy and may cause poliomyelitis.

Iron

This element is treated because it stains clothing and plumbing fixtures, interferes with water softeners, and its bacterias may clog pipes.

Acid

This element is treated because it is highly corrosive, picks up lead, and stains clothing.

Algae

This element is treated because it has Bad taste and Odor.

Carbon Dioxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide

These elements can be treated by Aeration.

Suspended Material

This element can be treated by Coagulation and Settling Process.

Bacteria

This element can be treated by Chemicals and Sand Filtration

Calcium, and Magnesium

This element can be treated by Adding of water softeners

Iron

This element can be treated by Iron Filters

Sulfur

This element can be treated by Chlorination

Pathogenic Germs

This element can be treated by Disinfection

Acid

This element can be treated by Marble or Limestone Filtration

Aeration

A purification of water done by Spraying the water into the atmosphere through jets or passing it over rough surfaces to reomove entrained noxious gases such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide.

Coagulation and Precipitation

A purification of water done by Adding of coagulants, such as ferrous sulfate and lime to the water which cause the larger suspended particles to form a gelatinous mass which precipitates rapidly.

Filtration

A purification of water done by passing through of water through layers of sand and gravel in concrete basins in order to remove the finer suspended particles.

Sedimentation

A purification of water done by passing water through basins so sediments can settle through a period of time.

Chlorination

A purification of water done by injecting water with hypo-chlorite or chlorine gas to kill the harmful bacteria.