In villages and in some towns where municipal water supply is not available, water is obtained from private wells. In such places, usually the water is pumped up to an elevated storage tank from where the distribution to the building is carried out.
In large towns and cities, municipal water, after due treatment, is available through street mains. If adequate pressure is available, the municipal water can be directly connected to an overhead tank. If the pressure is less, a sump may be provided to collect the water from the municipal supply lime. The capacity of the low-level tank (sump) should be adequate enough to hold water depending on the supply system of the municipal authorities.
Water is pumped from this sump at regular intervals to an overhead tank from where the water is distributed to various parts of the building. In addition to the overhead tank, provision may be made to collect the municipal water directly for drinking and cooking purposes at a convenient place (kitchen) in the building. The water in the overhead tank will take care of other demands.
The capacity of the overhead tank is based on the number of persons using it. It is usually of 200–500 l. If it is more than 5000 l, it is better to average it in a series of interconnected tanks such that they can be easily cleaned. The overhead tanks may be of brick, concrete or readymade PVC tanks. An inlet pipe, on outlet pipe and a drainpipe are connected to each tank.
The underground (or sump) and overhead tanks should be cleaned at regular intervals. They should also be disinfected after cleaning by using chemicals. In some cases separate flushing storage overhead tank is provided exclusively for flushing water closets, etc., as the quantity of water used for this purpose is large and be of low quality. For example, bore well water may be used separately for this purpose. Flushing storage tanks may have the capacities as given in Table 27.1.
Table 27.1 Flushing storage capacities
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