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Pumping Stations
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Pumping Stations
Compiledby: BeatStauffer(seeconinternationalgmbh),DorotheeSpuhler(seecon
internationalgmbh)

Pumping stations in a water distribution system are necessary where water is pumped directly into the system (e.g. from a
lake) or where pressure has to be increased because there is an insufficient difference in water levels in gravity flow
distribution systems. There are two general types of pumps: vertical turbine pumps and centrifugal pumps. Capital costs
are high, but the most expensive part is the energy supply for pumps (mostly electrical). Therefore, it is very important
that pumps have a high degree of efficiency and are maintained properly. To guarantee safewater quality, cross
connection of drinking water and waste removal systems must be avoided.

In Out

Freshwater, Drinking Water, Energy Freshwater, Drinking Water

Introduction

Pumps are devices used to transfer water from point A to point B with pressure to overcome the resistance along its path. It is important to understand the
different types of pumps, their applications, design differences and the procedures used to operate and maintain them (THE WORLD BANK 2012). Pumping stations
are used for reliable and efficient transport and distribution of fresh water to guarantee the availability for human, industrial, and agricultural use (ABB
2012)(see also water use).

BasicDesignPrinciples

Adapted from GUYER (2012)

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The main aim of the Melen Project (Istanbul, Turkey) is to secure drinking water supply of the 15 millionpopulation city of Istanbul up to the year 2040. River water from Melen near the Black Sea is
pumped 200 km via a pipeline and two pumping stations at a rate of max. 720,000 m3 /day into the water treatment plant in Cumhuriyet. Treated water is then pumped through an undersea tunnel
below the Straits of Bosporus to Istanbul. Source: ABB (2012)

Main pumping stations, which supply water to the distribution system, are located near the water treatment facility or a potable water storage facility, and pump
directly into the piping system. Pumps that pump directly into transmission lines and distribution systems are sometimes called high lift pumps.

Booster pumps are additional pumps used to increase pressure locally or temporarily. Booster pumps stations are usually remotely located from the main pump
station, as in hilly topography where highpressure zones are required, or to handle peak flows in a distribution system that can otherwise handle the normal flow
requirements.

Where a pump station is added to an existing installation, previous planning and design, which are based upon a total system hydraulic analysis, should be
consulted before the addition is designed (see also network design and dimensioning).

The sizing of each component in the distribution system will depend upon the effective combination of the major system elements:

Supply source
Storage (e.g. in reservoirs)
Distribution piping
Pumping

The location of the pump station and intake structure (see also water extraction from lakes and rivers), and the anticipated heads and capacities are the major
factors in the selection of pumps. The function of a pump station in the overall distribution system operation can also affect the determination of capacities.

Pump Types

Adapted from GUYER (2012)

There are generally two types of pumps used for potable water pumping applications.

The vertical turbine pump (line shaft and submersible types)

The centrifugal horizontal or vertical split case pump designed for waterworks service.

You can also find more specific information about pumps in: THE WORLD BANK (2012) (see Chapter 14).

Pump Discharge Capacity

Adapted from THE WORLD BANK (2012)

1. If the pump is used directly to supply water without a reservoir, the capacity must be equal to the peak hour demand.
2. If the water distribution system has a reservoir, the pump capacity must be equal to the maximum daily demand.

Pump Selection

Adapted from THE WORLD BANK (2012)

If the pumping water level is less than 6 metres, use a centrifugal pump (maximum suction lift = 6 metres).
If the pumping water level is from 620 metres, use jet pumps or a submersible.
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If the PWL is greater than 20 metres, use a submersible or a vertical line shaft turbine pump.

Power Supply for Pumps

Adapted from THE WORLD BANK (2012)

Electric, gasoline or diesel engines are commonly used as power sources for pumps. The electric motor is, however, the most favoured power source because of its
reliability, relatively low power cost, and environmental considerations like cleanliness, relatively low noise, and low pollutant emissions. An electrical pump
may also be driven with solar power. Heat sensors installed in the windings during manufacturing should protect electric motors. These sensors shut the motor off
in case of low voltage or change in phase before damage can be done.

CostConsiderations

A pumping station only makes sense if there is a properly planned distribution network. This needs a lot of construction material, electricity, maintenance, and of
course, expert design. Moreover, the construction and installation costs are high. Therefore, the whole system is rather expensive and only sustainable if operation
and maintenance can be ensured (see also operation and maintenance or ensuring sustainability).

The energy cost is one of the largest cost components in the water supply system. Since large amounts of electricity are required to pump, transport and supply
water, the profitability of some businesses, such as irrigation districts or fish farms, which use the water as a production resource, is heavily dependent upon
energy costs (PULIDOCALVO & GUTIERREZESTRADA 2011).Therefore, it is very important that the degree of efficiency of the pumps is very high. In Switzerland,
for example, the highly developed water distribution system requires 1/5 of the public power consumption (SCHNEEMANN 2011).

HealthAspects

A crossconnection of drinking water distribution and waste removal system must be avoided. This risk is usually greater in public, industrial and commercial
premises, where dual water systems, circulating pumps, toxic wastes and other factors have to be managed. There are also risks in multistorey buildings where
booster pumps are employed to increase the mains pressure, and in special systems used in hospitals and in dental and veterinary surgeries. However, even
standard singlefamily domestic buildings present health risks to both occupants and neighbours if faulty plumbing is installed or if plumbing is not maintained
(WHO 2006). See preventing recontamination for more information.

OperationandMaintenance

Pump controls can be manual or automatic. For small systems, manual controls can work very well. The operators can start the pump in the morning, and with
some operational experience, they will be able to estimate the time required to satisfy the morning peak demand and to fill the tank. When the tank is full, the
pump is shut off. The pump is started again when the water level in the tank decreases to the minimum water level. With automatic control, the pumps start and
shutoff is triggered either by floats or by pressure without requiring an operator to assume or estimate pumping cycle schedules (THE WORLD BANK 2012). Pumps
need mechanical maintenance (e.g. lubrication) as the manufacturer requests it.

Main pumping stations pump water directly into the distribution system. Booster pumps help to increase pressure in a system, e.g. pumping
Working Principle
water from ground to roof.
Capacity/Adequacy Necessary for piped distribution systems.
Performance High ifpumps are effective.
Costs High (especially power supply).
Selfhelp Expert design and construction supervising are required.

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Compatibility
O&M Manual (for small scale distribution systems) or automatic pump control.
Reliability If well maintained and constructed, high.
Main strength Provides a constant pressure in a piped distribution system even during high peak flow.
Main weakness High capital and electrical costs.

Applicability
Pumping stations are necessary where large amounts of water have to be transported through a piped distribution system. Booster pumps are needed where water
pressure in a distribution system has to be increased (e.g. pumping from a ground level or basement gravity tank to a gravity roof tank) (WHO 2006)

Advantages
Allows transport of water in a piped water distribution system
Increases water pressure where it is required

Disadvantages
High capital and energy costs
Requires expert knowledge and technical support

References
ABB (Editor) (2012): Products and Solutions for Pumping Stations. Enhanced Plant Performance, Efficiency and Reliability. Switzerland: ABB Switzerland. URL [Accessed: 04.08.2012]. PDF

GUYER (2012): Introduction to Pumping Stations for Water Supply Systems. Stony Point (NY): Continuing Education and Development (CED), Inc. URL [Accessed: 07.05.2012]. PDF

PULIDOCALVO, I.; GUTIERREZESTRADA, J.C. (2011): Selection and Operation of Pumping Stations of Water Distribution Systems. In: Environmental Research Journal 5, 120. URL [Accessed:
07.05.2012]. PDF

THE WORLD BANK (Editor) (2012): Rural Water Supply Design Manual. Volume I. Manila: The World Bank Office Manila. URL [Accessed: 07.05.2012]. PDF

SCHNEEMANN, L. (2011): Effiziente Trinkwasserpumpenhelfen Strom und Geld sparen. UrtenenSchnbhl: Schweizerischer Gemeindeverband. URL [Accessed: 07.05.2012].

WHO (Editor) (2006): Health Aspects of Plumbing. Geneva: World Health Organisation (WHO). URL [Accessed: 24.03.2011]. PDF

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