PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS - Pumping Installation - Storage - Reservoirs

Storage Reservoirs

In the context of private water systems, reservoirs refers to those water storages built approximately at pump level that supply little or no pressure to the system. They are made of poured concrete or steel tanks and act only as intermediate storage.

Intermediate Storages (2)

When the water supply provides a constant but limited supply of water, an intermediate storage reservoir is used. With this sort of arrangement, a second pump is required to pump water, under pressure, from the intermediate storage to the faucet.

To determine the size of intermediate storage needed, follow these three steps:

  1. Write down the capacity of the pressure pump;
    - This is the capacity found when adding the peak demand allowances for all of the intended water uses.
  2. Determine the difference between the capacities of the well pump and the pressure pump.
  3. Determine the size of intermediate storage needed;
    -The size needed is usually based on a 2-hour period of heavy continuous use.
    For example, assume the figure determined in step 2 is 20 gpm. Multiplying 20 gpm by 120 minutes (2 hours) gives a tank size of 2400 gallons.

This method of determining the size of an intermediate storage tank assures enough water storage for the pressure pump to operate continuously for two hours at full peak demand. Since normal peak periods last much less than two hours, the storage tank provides a substantial reserve of water for fire protection and other emergencies.

Back ArrowReturn to Water Storage © Copyright