Nodes (Distribution)

The borehole object represents a hole drilled into an aquifer or other water source in order to extract water into the distribution network.

See the Borehole Data Fields topic for further information.

Fitting objects are used to represent the junctions and connections between pipes in the Distribution Network.

See the Fitting Data Fields topic for further information.

Hydrants are used for fire-fighting and other occasional water supply needs, and for mains flushing.

See the Hydrant Data Fields topic for further information.

Meters are usually mechanical devices, although larger ones could be electromagnetic, that contain a turbine that rotates in the flow of water. The speed of rotation of the turbine is used to calculate the rate of flow of water.

There are other construction methods used in flow-metering but mechanical meters are still most frequently used in domestic water-metering and distribution measurements.

The number of domestic water meters can run into tens of thousands in a medium sized model. Most countries have universal metering as standard. The number of larger distribution system meters (for zones, districts, import and export) can also run into hundreds. With such a high number of domestic and network meters, regular maintenance and replacement of meters is a continuous and important process.

See the Meter Data Fields topic for further information.

Pumps are widely used in water supply systems. Most pumps in a water supply system fall into three groups that perform the following duties:

• collection and transport of water from wells
• distirbution of clean water
• pressure boosting in the network

A pumping station can house several units of different types and duties.

See the Pump Data Fields topic for further information.

The surface source object is a node object used to represent sources such as river, lakes and dams. The surface source includes information about storage capacity, supply and abstraction restraints.

See the Surface Source Data Fields topic for further information.

The tank object is a node object used to represent water storage facilities such as service reservoirs and water towers.

The tank object includes information about construction and storage capacity of the structure.

See the Tank Data Fields topic for further information.

A water supply system has many valves of varying types and functions. Valves can be classified in four main groups:

• section valves - placed at pipe section ends, normally open and used only for isolation of the pipe when necessary
• float valves - prevent overspilling from reservoirs and water towers
• non-return valves - for instance, check valves: prevent backflow
• control valves - regulate flow and/or pressure in the system or part of it

See the Valve Data Fields topic for further information.