(I'm asking this question for my daughter)
2007-10-22 03:37:41 · 3 answers · asked by metanoia 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Water from the source is pumped into a clearwell low holding tank at low pressure and high flow. From there it is chlorinated or ozonated to kill germs while being pumped at high pressure and low flow rate into a tall tank. which is connected to the water distribution mains. Eventually enough water is in the tank at a high level that the pumps shut off. That water is now available for distribution through the mains without any power being needed (just gravity which is why tanks are tall or on hilltops). As water is drawn from that tank to meet needs it reaches a level where it needs refilling and the pumps come on again. All the pumps in the pumping station have a backup power generator available so lack of electric supply will never mean lack of water.
Some of those tanks are just booster tanks that raise the pressure in neighborhoods that are elevated to keep the pressure at the needed level - not a real source of storage just of water pressure.
2007-10-22 04:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water companies buy electricity cheaply during the night and pump water from reservoirs up to the top of the tower.
Then during the day the height of the tower (gravity) provides the pressure needed for the immediate local area. The have booster pumps if needed to maintain pressure in the system, but the idea is not to run pumps all day, and save the water utility money.
2007-10-22 05:54:33 · answer #2 · answered by H_A_V_0_C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A water tower is a very large tank constructed for the purpose of holding a supply of water at a height sufficient to pressurize a water supply system. Even if power is lost in a city, there will still be pressurized water!
2007-10-22 03:48:23 · answer #3 · answered by J S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋