UTILITIES 2

A building plumbing system consists of a network of pipes, fittings, and fixtures that enable the
distribution and disposal of water in a building . Key components include:
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 Water supply lines: Bring fresh water into the building.

 Drainage systems: Remove wastewater.
 Fixtures: Include sinks, toilets, and water fountains for convenient water usage . 3

Sources of potable water include12:

 Surface water: This includes water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
 Ground water: This includes water that is found in underground aquifers.
 Rainwater harvesting: This is an increasingly popular way to collect and store water for potable use.
 Recycled water: This is also called reused water

Potable water, also known as drinking water, comes from surface and ground sources and is treated to
levels that that meet state and federal standards for consumption.

Water from natural sources is treated for microorganisms, bacteria, toxic chemicals, viruses and fecal
matter. Drinking raw, untreated water can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting
or fever

What is Potable Water?

Definition, Importance, and Safety
Potable water is a term used to describe safe water for human consumption. It is essential for human survival
and used for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Potable water is a basic human need, and access to it is a
fundamental human right.However, not all water sources are safe for human consumption, and water
treatment is necessary to ensure the water is safe and free from harmful contaminants. Water treatment
involves several processes to remove impurities and ensure the water is safe for consumption.

 Potable water is safe for human consumption and is essential for human survival.
 Water treatment is necessary to ensure water is safe and free from harmful contaminants.
 Access to potable water is considered a fundamental human right.

Importance of Potable Water

Access to safe and clean drinking water is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of
waterborne diseases. Here are some reasons why potable water is important:

1. Hydration -Drinking water is necessary to keep your body hydrated. Your body needs water to function properly, and it is
essential for a wide range of bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and transporting
nutrients and oxygen to your cells.
2. Preventing Waterborne Diseases-Potable water is treated to remove harmful contaminants and bacteria that can cause
waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Drinking contaminated water can lead to serious health
problems, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune
systems.

3. Supporting Economic Development-Access to potable water is essential for economic development. It is necessary for
agriculture, industry, and commerce and can help reduce poverty and improve living standards.

4. Environmental Sustainability- Potable water is a finite resource, and using it responsibly and sustainably is important.
Conserving water and reducing water pollution can help protect the environment and support the long-term availability of
potable water.

5. Sources of Potable Water- Regarding potable water, several sources can be used to provide safe drinking water. In this
section, we will explore the most common sources of potable water and how they are treated to ensure they are safe for
consumption.

6. Surface Water- Surface water is one of the most common sources of potable water. This includes water from lakes, rivers,
and reservoirs. The treatment process involves several steps that include filtration, disinfection, and adjustment of the pH.

7. Ground Water-This includes water that is found in underground aquifers. Groundwater is of higher quality compared to
surface water because it is naturally filtered as it moves through layers of soil and rock. Groundwater is treated in much the
same way as surface water, with several steps involved in the treatment process.

8. Rainwater Harvesting-Rainwater harvesting is an increasingly popular way to collect and store water for potable use. The
process here involves the collection of rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces and storing the water in tanks or
containers.

The collected rainwater is then treated to remove any contaminants that are present. Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable
way to provide potable water, as it reduces the demand for other water sources.

Treatment or Safety Measures of Potable Water

It undergoes various treatment and safety measures to ensure water is safe to drink. Here are some of the most common
methods:

1. Filtration-A process that removes impurities and particles from the water is filtration. In this process, the water goes
through a filter medium, like sand, gravel, or activated carbon. Then the filter medium traps all the impurities and allows the
clean water to pass through. Filtration removes suspended particles from the water, such as dirt and sediment.

2. Disinfection-A process done to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms and parasites in the water is disinfection. The
most common disinfection method is chlorination, which involves adding chlorine. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that
can kill a wide range of microorganisms. Other disinfection methods include ozonation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and
hydrogen peroxide.
3. Removal of Salts-The presence of salts in the water can make it unsafe to drink. Salts can cause various health problems,
such as high blood pressure and kidney damage. To remove salts from the water, a process called desalination is used.

Desalination removes the salt from the water by two processes, either distillation or reverse osmosis. Distillation involves
boiling and collecting the steam, which is then condensed into pure water. Reverse osmosis involves passing the water
through a membrane that removes the salt and other impurities.

3. Storage and Distribution of Potable Water-It is essential to store and distribute potable water in a manner that ensures it
remains safe and free from contamination. In this section, we will discuss the storage and distribution of potable water.

4. Storage of Potable Water-Potable water is stored in various ways, depending on the location, climate, and available
resources. The most common methods of storing potable water include:

5. Water Towers-Water towers are tall structures that store water at a high elevation. They use gravity to supply water to
the surrounding areas.

6. Ground Storage Tanks-Ground storage tanks are large containers that store water underground. They are commonly used
in urban areas where space is limited.

7. Reservoirs-Reservoirs are large bodies of water that store water for later use. They are typically located in rural areas and
are used to supply water to nearby towns and cities.

8. Cisterns-Cisterns are underground tanks storing rainwater or water from other sources. They are commonly used in areas
where water is scarce.

9. Distribution of Potable Water-Potable water is distributed through a network of pipes and pumps that transport water
from the source to the consumer. The distribution system includes the following components:

10. Treatment Plants-Treatment plants are facilities that treat raw water to make it safe for human consumption. They
remove impurities and disinfect the water to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.

11. Pumping Stations-Pumping stations transport water from the treatment plant to the distribution network. They use
pumps to increase the pressure of the water, allowing it to flow through the pipes.

12. Distribution Mains-Distribution mains are large pipes that transport water from the pumping station to the distribution
network. They are typically made of steel or concrete and can range from 6 inches to 10 feet in diameter.

3. Service lines-Service lines are smaller pipes that transport water from the distribution mains to the consumer’s property.
They are typically made of copper or plastic and range in size from 3/4 inch to 2 inches in diameter.

By: engr. Edilberto C. Bagtona

Instructor utility 2