What is a water supply system?
Q: What is a water supply system?
A: A water supply system, or 'water supply network', is an engineering system which provides a supply of water for drinking and other uses.
Q: What components are typically included in a water supply system?
A: A water supply system typically includes a source of pure water, storage facilities such as reservoirs or tanks, pressurizing systems such as pumping stations, and pipe networks for distribution to consumers. It also includes facilities for treating waste water before it is put back into the system.
Q: How can large cities ensure access to clean drinking water?
A: Large cities usually have access to clean drinking water because they are located near rivers. Water can also be moved long distances through pipes or aquifers.
Q: What type of facilities are needed to store and pressurize the water?
A: Water storage facilities such as reservoirs, tanks, or towers may be necessary. Pressurizing systems such as pumping stations may also be needed at the outlet of underground or above ground reservoirs or cisterns (if gravity flow is impractical).
Q: How is the quality of the treated water ensured?
A: The quality of treated water is ensured by examining it under a microscope and recording its bacterial content according to standards set by government regarding any kind of foreign objects and chemical/biological composition. Chlorine may also be added if necessary to kill off poisonous red algae that survive aeration processes.
Q: Who developed this type of system in mid-19th century London?
A: This type of system was developed by John Snow during mid-19th century cholera plagues in London.
