Factors Affecting Selection of Water Source

By: Haseeb Jamal / On: Mar 24, 2017 / Notes, Factors Affecting

Quantity of water:

The quantity of water available at the source must be sufficient to meet various demands and requirements of the design population during the entire design period. Plans should be made to bring water from other sources if the available water is insufficient.

Quality of water:

The water available at the source must not be toxic, poisonous or in anyway injurious to health. The impurities should be as minimum as possible and such that, can be removed easily and economically.

Distance of water supply source:

The source of supply must be situated as near to the city as possible. Hence, less length of pipes needs to be installed and thus economical transfer and supply of water. The source nearest to the city is usually selected.

Topography of city and its surroundings:

The area or land between the source and the city should not be highly uneven i.e. it should not have steep slopes because cost of construction or laying or pipes is very high in these areas.

Elevation of source of water supply:

The source of water must be on a high elevation than the city so as to provide sufficient pressure in the water for daily requirements. When the water is available at lower levels, then pumps are used to pressurize water. This requires an excess developmental and operational tasks and cost. It may also have breakdowns and need repairs.