Municipal water supply systems complex pipe networks that carry potable, treated water to industrial, residential, and commercial consumers. Various distribution and treatment methods are used in water supply systems in order to successfully satisfy the requirements of homes, businesses, and plants.

If you want to learn about water supply systems and utility equipment, you’ve come to the right place. Blair Supply Corp. is a long-standing name in the utility distribution industry, carrying top-quality piping materials, fire hydrants, and water main clamp solutions for municipal systems and shipping them across the nation.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of water supply systems and their components.

What are the types of water supply systems?

The water distributed via municipal water supply systems should reach the end-user with sufficient pressure and flow rates. In order to achieve this, four main water distribution system types are used:

Gridiron systems

In gridiron systems, the main water supply line goes through the central part of the area, while sub mains branch out perpendicular to the main line. This system has no dead-ends, as all of the individual pipes are interconnected. This type of water supply system is great for cities that have a rectangular layout that resembles a gridiron.

Ring systems

Circular or ring systems feature a supply main that forms a circle or ring around the area of distribution. In this system, the branches are cross-connected to the supply mains and each other. This type of system has similar advantages and disadvantages to gridiron systems and is suitable for towns and cities with well-planned roads and streets.

Radial systems

In radial systems, the distribution area is divided into different distribution districts or zones. Each zone has an elevated distribution reservoir in the middle from which supply lines run in a radial pattern towards the distribution district periphery. Radial systems offer swift distribution and allow for simpler design calculations.

Dead-end systems

Dead-end water supply systems are the best choice for cities and towns without definite road patterns. In this type of system, there is one main line that runs through the town or city with sub-mains branching off from left and right. These sub-mains then divide into a number of branch lines that provide service connections.

What are the components of a water supply system?

A municipal water supply system is made up of pipelines, pumps, water storage facilities, and other distribution accessories. The main components include:

• Water source: The sources of drinking water can come from groundwater, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals, rainwater, and saltwater.
• Water purification & treatment facilities: Different treatment systems are used depending on the source of the water.
• Transmission & distribution systems: The treated water is transported from the source via water mains and sub-mains to the end-users.
• Storage systems: these may include water tanks, reservoirs, and water towers. In smaller systems, pressure vessels and cisterns may be used.
• Pumping stations: in order to maintain optimal water pressure, additional pressurizing components, called pumping stations, are often used.
• Accessories: these may include support components such as valves, service lines, generators, meters, fire hydrants, and other accessories needed to ensure a smoothly running system.

Looking for a water main clamp or other water supply materials? Contact Blair Supply!

Blair Supply Corp. is your trusted supplier of water supply and utility distribution materials and equipment. Thanks to our vast experience and continuous involvement with industry associations, we can provide you with all the water and sewage-related information you may need. We are at your beck and call whether you want to learn about the different piping materials used in water lines, discover the main difference between sewage and wastewater, or read about the perks of HDPE pipes for municipal systems.

Whether you want to purchase Integrity Fusion products or Krausz couplings, feel free to check out our selection. We ship our products from our warehouses in Watertown, Avoca, and Rochester across the nation, so don’t hesitate to reach out no matter your location. Call today.