53:171 Water Resources Engineering
Problem #23
Water Distribution Operation During High Demand

A pipeline system transports water from a water treatment plant to a town and its distribution reservoir.

The peak water demand (QD) during the day is 35 cfs with the pumps adding 140 feet of the head (Ep) to the system.  Evaluate the flow and pressure conditions in the system for this high demand period.  Use the Darcy-Weisbach equation for the pipe friction losses. (HINT: Initially assume fully turbulent flow to estimate f, then check the assumption for the estimated flow conditions).

  1. Determine the flow (in cfs) in each pipe during the high demand period.
  2. Determine the water pressure (in psi) on Main Street during the high demand period.
Last changed on 03/27/14 by Gabriele Villarini.