Design of a centralized regional water distribution system: a case study in the County of Paintearth No. 18, Alberta, Canada

摘要

Water supply to rural communities has historically been difficult. The sparse population distribution results in large infrastructure cost per capita compared to larger urban municipalities. The challenge is to deliver this water efficiently and minimize the corresponding increase in wastewater. Urban water systems supply both fire flow and drinking water at high pressures in large pipes. One solution for rural areas is supplying only potable water using small pipes that are supplied in long spools and that can be ploughed-in, a novel method of direct-bury. This water is delivered to private cisterns at low pressure, extending the range of the system for the same input energy level. Pressure control valves are used to keep pressure positive at high points to safeguard water quality. Modelling is particularly important in rural systems, where extensive pipeline distances and elevation difference result in significant head losses and areas of high local pressure.