Water Distribution Systems

At least half of the water works investment lies in the distribution system. Good service requires that the pipes shall have the ability to serve all the people all the time with adequate pressure at all places. In addition to this, there must be capacity to carry the water at rates required for good fire protection. These things must be done with adequate pressure remaining for the needs of use, and without excessive pressure on the pipes or pumps. The capacity, and roughly the cost, is based upon the peak rate of flow. The average use per capita has been upon the increase for a long time, but the peak rates have increased much more rapidly especially within the last decade. This has been due to the now almost universal use of the city supply, the more general adoption of water using conveniences in modern homes, better lawns and more flowers, and the more uniform habits of the people. The laboring man now keeps bankers hours. This has resulted in hourly peaks of use nearly double the rates that prevailed fifteen or twenty years ago.