Water Sector
1- Introduction
1- Water production
2- Water distribution
3- Water disposal
1- Introduction
The water sector is an essential part of any community’s infrastructure, playing a vital role in securing and distributing clean water and safely disposing of used water. The water sector encompasses a wide range of activities and services aimed at ensuring the sustainable availability of water for human, plant, and animal life, as well as supporting the local economy and enhancing the environment. Generally, there are three main stages that water goes through to be utilized:
1- Water production
2- Water distribution
3- Water disposal
1- Water production
There are common methods for water production, and the method chosen depends on the environment and available resources.
1- Groundwater Wells:
The process of water production from groundwater wells relies on extracting water accumulated in underground rock layers.
The locations of groundwater wells are determined by geological studies that identify water levels, renewal rates, and quality.
2- Seawater Desalination:
This type of production relies on converting non-potable seawater into drinking water.
Reverse osmosis or steam distillation is used to remove salts and other contaminants from seawater.
3- Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater is collected through a harvesting system that includes surfaces where water can be directed to collection points.
Rainfall amounts and collection rates are measured to determine the quantity of water available for use.
4- Reuse of Wastewater:
This process relies on applying treatment techniques to remove pollutants from used water, then reusing it.
The uses of treated water are determined based on its quality, safety standards, and public health.
5- Modern Techniques like Atmospheric Moisture Extraction:
This type of production utilizes innovative techniques to extract water from the air, such as using air conditioners and heat exchangers.
The efficiency and quantity of water produced by these techniques are determined using scientific data and field experiments.
2- Water distribution
After the water extraction process, the next stage is water distribution to consumers, and there are four main methods of water distribution:
1- Water Networks:
Water networks consist of an interconnected system of pipes, valves, and pumps that transport water from its sources to various points in the city or region.
2- Pumping Stations:
Pumping stations are used to lift water from low sources such as wells or treatment plants to the main distribution pipes.
3- Storage Tanks:
Storage tanks are used to store treated water before distributing it to consumers. These tanks provide temporary storage and ensure continued water availability even during periods of high demand.
4- Meter Reading and Water Bills:
Water meters are installed in customers’ homes and buildings to measure water consumption, based on which water bills are issued to collect water usage fees.
3- Water disposal
After water is consumed by consumers, the final stage is water disposal, which occurs through several methods, the most important of which are:
1- Sanitary Sewer System:
The sanitary sewer system is one of the primary methods for water disposal in urban areas.
This system involves collecting wastewater from homes and buildings and directing it to wastewater treatment plants to remove impurities and pollutants before discharging it back into the natural environment.
2- Industrial Wastewater Discharge:
This type of disposal involves disposing of wastewater generated in industrial processes such as manufacturing, mining, and refining.
Industrial wastewater is typically treated before discharge to reduce environmental impact and preserve the quality of natural water.
3- Water Recycling:
This type of disposal involves reusing treated water for industrial processes, agricultural irrigation, or other non-potable purposes.
Water recycling helps reduce reliance on freshwater and improves water resource sustainability.
4- Surface Water Discharge:
This process involves directing water resulting from rainfall or runoff to rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Surface water discharge may be regulated by water infrastructure such as channels and drains.
5- Safe Disposal of Liquid Waste:
This type of disposal involves safely disposing of hazardous liquid waste such as chemicals in accordance with environmental regulations.