In this article we will discuss about the location and layout of water treatment plant.
Location of Water Treatment Plants:
The water treatment plants should be located as near to the towns as possible. If the source of water supply is tube-well the treatment plant should be located in the central part of the town, so that purified water may reach the public as early as possible and also the water head at extreme farthest points will be more.
If the city is very large to which water cannot be supplied from one tube-well, the city should be divided into zones and a separate tube-well with necessary treatment plants should be provided for each zone.
If the source of water is river or reservoir, the treatment plant should be located as near the town as possible preferably in the central place. The main advantage of locating the plants at such place will be that the water will reach every consumer with more pressure and purity.
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On the other hand if the city is situated on the bank of a river, the treatment plant should be located near the source, because in this case the length of rising mains will be small and muddy water need not be pumped which may cause quick wearing of pipes. If the treatment plant is situated at lower level than the source its advantage can be taken for back washing of filters.
Layout of Water Treatment Plant:
One complete water treatment plant requires the following process starting from the source of water up to the distribution zone in order of sequence:
(i) Intake work including pumping plant.
(ii) Plain sedimentation.
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(iii) Sedimentation with coagulation.
(iv) Filtration.
(v) Water softening plant.
(vi) Miscellaneous treatment plants.
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(vii) Disinfection.
(viii) Clear water reservoir.
(ix) Pumps for pumping the water in service reservoirs, (if elevated)
(x) Elevated or underground service reservoir.
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Figs, 10.1 and 10.2 clearly show sequence of typical water treatment plants:
Fig. 10.3 shows the typical layout plan of water treatment works:
The following points should be kept in mind while giving layout of any treatment plant:
(i) All the plants should be located in order of sequence, so that water from one process should directly go into next process.
(ii) If possible all the plants should be located at such elevations that water should flow from one plant to next under its force of gravity only.
(iii) All the treatment units should be arranged in such a way that minimum area is required; it will also insure economy in its cost.
(iv) Sufficient area should be occupied for future extension, in the beginning.
(v) Staff quarters and office should also be provided near the treatment plants, so that operators can watch the plants easily.
(vi) The site of treatment plant should be very neat and give very good aesthetic appearance.