Individual Systems:
- Steel Liquid Storage Tank
- Water Distribution Network
- Dam
- Primary Sedimentation Tank/Wastewater Treatment
The integration of civil systems involves the dam, water treatment plant (WTP), water distribution network (WDN), steel storage tank, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). These interconnected systems are a water management system. They impact each other throughout every phase of the lifecycle, including design, construction, operation, and decommissioning, which is the key focus for ensuring a well-functioning integrated system.
A water management system is a complex network designed to ensure reliable water supply, treatment, and wastewater management. The safety and durability of each component are crucial for its long-term performance. Deterioration and failure rates play a key role in the system’s life-cycle assessment. Therefore, sustainability, future maintenance, and risk assessments must be considered. Understanding the system begins with examining its subsystems, their components, and the design aspects that ensure resilience and functionality.
Here is an overview of each subsystem and their best design option:
The dam collects and regulates raw water, ensuring a steady supply to the treatment plant. [1] The treatment includes screening, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, etc. [2]. The flow and quality of water from the dam are crucial, as they directly impact the treatment plant’s efficiency and capacity. Water is drawn through the dam’s intake tower, into a network of underground pipes. [3] The treated water is then transferred to the water distribution network, which delivers it to the city and the storage tank.
The water distribution network connects all elements, managing the delivery of treated water and collecting wastewater for treatment. Its efficiency is vital, leaks or disruptions can affect the reservoir tank’s ability to stabilize supply during peak demand and impede the transport of wastewater to the WWTP. [4] The steel storage tank plays a critical role in maintaining a consistent supply to the city, balancing input from the WDN with demand fluctuations.
The wastewater treatment plant processes wastewater from the city before discharge or reuse. Its operations are influenced by the efficiency of upstream systems, as untreated wastewater or overflows from the WDN can overwhelm its capacity. Treated wastewater may re-enter natural water sources, potentially impacting the dam’s inflow quality and the entire system. Therefore, it must be thoroughly purified to eliminate as many pollutants as possible. [5]
The flow, quality, and capacity of these systems are tightly interlinked. For example, the dam’s flow regulation shapes treatment processes, which, in turn, affect the performance of the distribution network. Likewise, wastewater treatment quality has significant environmental impacts both upstream and downstream. By harmonizing the design and operation of these systems, we can not only minimize environmental consequences but also achieve sustainable water management and ensure reliable, long-term service.
Figure below provides an overview of the system integration. [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
References
[1] Evaluation of operational efficiency and performance for a water treatment plant; Joseph K. Bwapwa, Nonsindiso Mkhize, Mohammed Seyam (05.04.2023)
[2] https://www.netsolwater.com/treating-water-from-dam-or-river-using-water-treatment-plant-with-an-example-of-wtp-at-vedanta.php?blog=4641
[3] Fact sheet Water Treatment Plant
[4] Energy efficiency optimization in water distribution systems; A. Bolognesi, C. Bragalli, C. Lenzi, S. Artina (2013)
[5] https://www.bmuv.de/en/topics/water-management/overview-water-management/wastewater
[6] https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/38939090-damming-water-nature-icon-cartoon-vector-plant-dam
[7] https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/38939090-damming-water-nature-icon-cartoon-vector-plant-dam
[8] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/steel-storage-tanks?image_type=illustration
[9] https://www.freepik.com/vectors/wastewater-treatment-plant
[10] https://stablediffusionweb.com/image/5611524-vector-illustration-of-urban-residential-area
[11] https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/14307365-repair-pipe-icon-cartoon-style