Water distribution networks are connected pipes made to provide the right

amount and good quality water to a community. Before every construction of

network, the plan must be properly prepared to give enough pressure and ensure
safe water running through the pipes. These pipes are usually laid below the
ground and runs alongside roads. There are four types of water distribution
networks: Grid Iron, Dead end, Ring, and Radial System.

In the Grid Iron System, main pipes, sub-mains, and branches are connected
with each other. The main pipe usually runs through the center of the city/area to
be served and the sub-mains connects in perpendicular directions. The branch
lines and sub-mains interconnect with each other. The perpendicular
arrangements makes the plan resemble rectangles. Hence, this type of system is
more suitable for areas laid out in rectangular plans.

There are various advantages for Grid Iron System. Water can freely circulate
without stagnation because of the absence of dead ends. Therefore, water can
be delivered art every point of the system with minimal head loss. Also, only a
small area of the system is affected during damage and repair because of its
arrangement. With great advantages, comes also some disadvantages. This
system of layout requires a large number of cutoff valves and longer pipes so it is
more cost. Working out the pressures at some points of the pipes and calculating
the pipe sizes are also difficult and complicated. Thus, this system requires more
labor.

Another type of water distribution network is Ring System, also called as

Circular System. As the name suggest, this system is laid out so that the main pipe
line forms a closed ring, can either be circular or rectangular, around the area.
The distribution area is divided into small blocks and the main pipe lines are laid
on the outer part of these blocks. This layout is more appropriate for areas having
well planned streets and roads. Because this system is a little bit similar to the Grid
Iron system, it also shares its advantage and disadvantage. On the contrary, the
main pipes are much larger and a large amount of water can be made available.

Dead-end System or Tree System is a different type of water distribution

network. One main pipe runs through the center of the area and sub-mains take
off from both sides of the main pipe. Sub-mains divide into different branch where
connections are handed over to the consumers. As a result, the distribution area
is covered by pipes like branches of a tree. The connections don’t meet resulting
numerous dead ends. Sediments accumulate and stagnation of water are
present in this system. Towns or cities without proper planning make use of this
system. In cases of damage and repairs, the entire portion beyond that point is
completely cut-off resulting inconvenience for the consumers. In spite of that,
pipe diameters are designed only for specific groups of people resulting in smaller
pipe diameters. This makes the system cheap and economical. This also makes
the design calculations for discharge and pressure be done accurately and
easily.

The last type is Radial System. In this system, the area is divided into different
distribution zones and a distribution reservoir is laid at the center of each zone.
Radially laid distribution pipes running towards the outer edge of the zones are
supplied by the distribution reservoir which water is also pumped from the main
pipes. This system provides quick and efficient water distribution and also ensures
high pressure running through the pipes. This type of network is more suitable for
areas having road laid out radially.

To sum up, different distribution areas require different types of networks. A

study must be conducted for the designer to determine what kind of system is
suitable and will satisfy the needs of the area. The discharge of a specific area
should also be computed for the designer to know the right diameter of pipes to
be used and the right amount of pressure that will be maintained throughout the
system. Combination of different types of water distribution network can also be
used if necessary.