Household Water SystemsHousehold Water Systems

Household Water System Household Water System ComponentsComponents

• Water Source (well, spring, pond, or cistern)Water Source (well, spring, pond, or cistern)• PumpPump• Pressure TankPressure Tank• Pressure SwitchPressure Switch• Check ValveCheck Valve• Piping Piping • Optional Treatment EquipmentOptional Treatment Equipment

(Softener, Filter, Disinfection Unit, etc)(Softener, Filter, Disinfection Unit, etc)

Typical Shallow-Well Water Typical Shallow-Well Water SystemSystem

PUMP POWER CONTROL BOX

SHALLOW-WELL JET PUMP

CHECK VALVE

WELL CASING

SUCTION PIPE

SUPPLY PIPE TO HOUSE

PRESSURE TANK

PRESSURE SWITCH

Water Pump OptionsWater Pump Options

Suction Lift Suction Lift (feet)(feet)

Pump TypePump Type

0 – 18 0 – 18 Horizontal CentrifugalHorizontal Centrifugal

0 – 280 – 28 Shallow-Well Centrifugal JetShallow-Well Centrifugal Jet

0 – 2000 – 200 Deep-Well Centrifugal JetDeep-Well Centrifugal Jet

0 – 500+0 – 500+ Multi-stage SubmersibleMulti-stage Submersible

Pump House Pump House with Shallow with Shallow Well PumpWell Pump

PRESSURE PRESSURE SWITCHSWITCH

Jet Pump InstallationsJet Pump Installations

Shallow-Well Shallow-Well Jet PumpJet Pump

Deep-Well Deep-Well Jet PumpJet Pump

(Two-Pipe System)(Two-Pipe System)

Intake PipeIntake Pipe

To Pressure TankTo Pressure Tank

Pressure Pipe (Return Flow)Pressure Pipe (Return Flow)

Lift Pipe (Upward Flow)Lift Pipe (Upward Flow)

Jet Ejector (Venturi)Jet Ejector (Venturi)

NozzleNozzle

WaterWater

Jet Pump Jet Pump Schematic DiagramSchematic Diagram

-Increases practical suction Increases practical suction lift by diverting part of the lift by diverting part of the pump discharge to the pump discharge to the ejector on the lift pipe ejector on the lift pipe

-The greater the suction lift, The greater the suction lift, the greater the percentage the greater the percentage of discharge water must be of discharge water must be diverteddiverted

-Maximum practical lift is Maximum practical lift is limited to approximately limited to approximately 200 feet by economics200 feet by economics

Deep-Well Jet Pump Ejector UnitsDeep-Well Jet Pump Ejector UnitsTwo-Pipe SystemTwo-Pipe System

Well CapWell Cap

Return PipeReturn Pipe

Lift PipeLift Pipe(w/ Venturi)(w/ Venturi)

NozzleNozzle

Foot ValveFoot Valve

Intake StrainerIntake Strainer

Packer SystemPacker System

Return FlowReturn Flow

Lift PipeLift Pipe(w/ Venturi)(w/ Venturi)

NozzleNozzle

Foot ValveFoot Valve

PackerPacker

Suction PipeSuction Pipe

Submersible Water PumpsSubmersible Water Pumps

-- Good for deep wells Good for deep wells

- High efficiencyHigh efficiency

- Wells as small as 4” diameterWells as small as 4” diameter

Submersible Submersible Pump with Pump with Pitless AdapterPitless Adapter

FROST LINE

Pressure SwitchPressure Switch

• Controls water pumpControls water pump

• Turns on when system Turns on when system pressure drops to 20 (30) psipressure drops to 20 (30) psi

•Turns off when system Turns off when system pressure rises to 40 (50) psipressure rises to 40 (50) psi

•Low pressure shut-down in Low pressure shut-down in case well water level dropscase well water level drops

Pressure TankPressure Tank

• Is not meant to provide household water storageIs not meant to provide household water storage• Delays pump turn-on and extends pump run timeDelays pump turn-on and extends pump run time• Eliminates frequent, short On/Off cycles which Eliminates frequent, short On/Off cycles which

can burn up the pump motorcan burn up the pump motor• Volume of pre-charged tank should be at least Volume of pre-charged tank should be at least

66 times the delivery of the pump in 1 minute times the delivery of the pump in 1 minute• Volume of uncharged tank should be at least Volume of uncharged tank should be at least

1010 times the delivery of the pump in 1 minute times the delivery of the pump in 1 minute

Pressure TankPressure TankTypical uncharged pressure Typical uncharged pressure tank (no air tank (no air bladder/diaphragm) installationbladder/diaphragm) installation

Pipe PlugPipe Plug

(to be removed when (to be removed when system is drained to system is drained to correct waterlogging)correct waterlogging)

Pressure Pressure SwitchSwitch

Delivery Pipe Delivery Pipe from Pumpfrom Pump

Main Power Main Power Cutoff Cutoff SwitchSwitch

Useable Storage Capacity of Pressure Tanks Useable Storage Capacity of Pressure Tanks Over Normal Operating RangeOver Normal Operating Range

(Not Pre-charged)(Not Pre-charged)

42 gallons42 gallons

40 40 lbslbs

20 20 lbslbs

Water Level at

12 gallons

82 gallons82 gallons

Examples of Pre-charged Pressure TanksExamples of Pre-charged Pressure Tanks

Effect of Effect of WaterloggingWaterlogging on Useable on Useable Pressure Tank CapacityPressure Tank Capacity

WaterloggingWaterloggingTo correct waterlogged pressure tanks:To correct waterlogged pressure tanks:

--Turn off power to pumpTurn off power to pump

-Open a faucet to drain systemOpen a faucet to drain system

-Remove pipe plug at top of tank to let Remove pipe plug at top of tank to let air into tank and finish draining systemair into tank and finish draining system

-Replace pipe plug (use teflon tape or Replace pipe plug (use teflon tape or pipe compound to seal properly)pipe compound to seal properly)

-Close faucetClose faucet

-Turn on powerTurn on power

-Repeat this process whenever the pump Repeat this process whenever the pump begins starting immediately every time a begins starting immediately every time a faucet is openedfaucet is opened

Pipe PlugPipe Plug

(to be removed when (to be removed when system is drained to system is drained to correct waterlogging)correct waterlogging)

Power Power SwitchSwitch

Controlling WaterloggingControlling Waterlogging in Pressure Tanks in Pressure Tanks

Submersible Pump Check Valve CutawaySubmersible Pump Check Valve Cutaway

Water FlowWater Flow

Household Water RequirementHousehold Water Requirement

• Typical Usage: 50-100 gallons/person-day Typical Usage: 50-100 gallons/person-day (drinking, bathing, laundry, toilet flushing, dishwashing, cooking, (drinking, bathing, laundry, toilet flushing, dishwashing, cooking, etc.)etc.)

• Well Flow Rate Requirement:Well Flow Rate Requirement:– Minimum Acceptable Rate:Minimum Acceptable Rate: 5 gpm 5 gpm– Preferred Rate:Preferred Rate: 10 gpm10 gpm– Minimum Fire Protection Rate:Minimum Fire Protection Rate: 20 gpm20 gpm

Household Water RequirementsHousehold Water Requirements

UseUse Flow RateFlow Rate

(gpm)(gpm)

Volume per Volume per Use (gal.)Use (gal.)

Washing MachineWashing Machine 55 20-3520-35

DishwasherDishwasher 22 6-206-20

Shower/BathtubShower/Bathtub 55 20-6020-60

ToiletToilet 33 1.6-5.01.6-5.0

Kitchen SinkKitchen Sink 33 2-42-4

Water Softener RechargeWater Softener Recharge 88 50-15050-150

Farmstead Water RequirementFarmstead Water Requirement(Flow Rate)(Flow Rate)

UseUse MinimumMinimum PreferredPreferred

Stock Auto. WaterersStock Auto. Waterers 0.5 gpm0.5 gpm 2 gpm2 gpm

Poultry Auto. WaterersPoultry Auto. Waterers 0.25 gpm0.25 gpm 1 gpm1 gpm

Milkhouse CleaningMilkhouse Cleaning 3 gpm3 gpm 5 gpm5 gpm

Manure WashdownManure Washdown 5 gpm5 gpm 10 gpm10 gpm

Outdoor HydrantOutdoor Hydrant 5 gpm5 gpm 10 gpm10 gpm

Outdoor Hydrant (Fire)Outdoor Hydrant (Fire) 10 gpm10 gpm 20 gpm20 gpm

Intermediate Water StorageIntermediate Water Storage

• Improves usability of low-yield wellsImproves usability of low-yield wells• Well pump operates at low flow for extended Well pump operates at low flow for extended

periods (overnight) to fill storage tankperiods (overnight) to fill storage tank• Pressure pump uses water from storage to supply Pressure pump uses water from storage to supply

immediate household demandimmediate household demand• Minimum intermediate storage capacity should be Minimum intermediate storage capacity should be

at least equal to daily household water useat least equal to daily household water use (2-(2-3 days’ storage capacity preferred)3 days’ storage capacity preferred)

Intermediate Storage for Low-Intermediate Storage for Low-Yield WellsYield Wells

Intermediate Storage TankIntermediate Storage Tank

(filled by submersible well pump)(filled by submersible well pump)

Pressure TankPressure Tank

Pressure PumpPressure Pump

Low Yield Well Water SystemLow Yield Well Water SystemInlet from Well PumpInlet from Well Pump

Pressure Pump Suction LinePressure Pump Suction Line

Supply Line to HouseSupply Line to House

Check ValveCheck Valve

Water Treatment EquipmentWater Treatment Equipment

• Disinfection EquipmentDisinfection Equipment

• FiltersFilters

• Water SoftenersWater Softeners

Water Disinfection OptionsWater Disinfection Options--Bacteria & VirusesBacteria & Viruses--

• ChlorinationChlorination– Shock chlorinationShock chlorination– Continuous chlorinationContinuous chlorination

• Dry pellet chlorinatorDry pellet chlorinator

• Chlorine solution feed pumpChlorine solution feed pump

• Chlorine solution venturi injectorChlorine solution venturi injector

• OzonationOzonation

• Ultraviolet IrradiationUltraviolet Irradiation

Shock ChlorinationShock Chlorination

• Use laundry bleach (5.25%) w/ no additivesUse laundry bleach (5.25%) w/ no additives

• Pour 4 pints of bleach into well vent for each Pour 4 pints of bleach into well vent for each 100 gallons of water in system100 gallons of water in system

• Recirculate water into well for 20 minutesRecirculate water into well for 20 minutes

• Open all outlets until bleach is smelledOpen all outlets until bleach is smelled

• Let system stand idle overnight (4 hrs minimum)Let system stand idle overnight (4 hrs minimum)

• Flush systemFlush system

• Re-test for bacteria after 10-14 days of useRe-test for bacteria after 10-14 days of use

Dry Pellet ChlorinatorsDry Pellet Chlorinators

--Electric powered (110 or 220 volt) Electric powered (110 or 220 volt)

--Controlled by pump controllerControlled by pump controller

-Few moving partsFew moving parts

-Uses calcium hypochlorite tabletsUses calcium hypochlorite tablets

-Treats water in the wellTreats water in the well

-Longer Cl contact timeLonger Cl contact time

-No solutions to mixNo solutions to mix

-Treats up to 20 gpmTreats up to 20 gpm

Venturi Solution InjectorVenturi Solution Injector

•Injects any liquid solutionInjects any liquid solution

•Injection rate proportional Injection rate proportional to water flow rateto water flow rate

•Adjustable over wide range Adjustable over wide range of flow and injection ratesof flow and injection rates

Metering PumpMetering Pump•Injects any type of solutionInjects any type of solution

•Controlled by water pump Controlled by water pump controllercontroller

•Constant injection rateConstant injection rate

•Adjusts to wide range of Adjusts to wide range of flow and injection ratesflow and injection rates

SIGHT PORT

Ultraviolet Disinfection UnitUltraviolet Disinfection Unit

Water Treatment OptionsWater Treatment Options- - Iron or Manganese Iron or Manganese --

• Shock ChlorinationShock Chlorination• Continuous ChlorinationContinuous Chlorination

– Dry pellet chlorinatorDry pellet chlorinator– Chlorine solution feed pumpChlorine solution feed pump– Chlorine solution venturi injectorChlorine solution venturi injector

• OzonationOzonation• Oxidizing (Greensand) FilterOxidizing (Greensand) Filter• Ion Exchange Water SoftenerIon Exchange Water Softener

Iron Treatment OptionsIron Treatment Options

Iron LevelIron Level

(mg/l)(mg/l)

Iron Iron BacteriaBacteria

Clear or Red Clear or Red When DrawnWhen Drawn

pHpH Treatment MethodTreatment Method

0-50-5 NoNo ClearClear 7+7+ SofteningSoftening

0-50-5 YesYes ClearClear 7+7+ Shock Chlorination or Shock Chlorination or Oxidizing FilterOxidizing Filter

5-205-20 NoNo ClearClear 7+7+ Shock Chlorination or Shock Chlorination or Oxidizing FilterOxidizing Filter

5-205-20 YesYes Clear or Clear or RedRed

7+7+ Oxidizing Filter, Shock or Oxidizing Filter, Shock or Continuous ChlorinationContinuous Chlorination

0-200-20 NoNo RedRed 7+7+ Oxidizing FilterOxidizing Filter

20-3020-30 NoNo Clear or Clear or RedRed

7+7+ Continuous Chlorination Continuous Chlorination or Oxidizing Filteror Oxidizing Filter

Water Treatment OptionsWater Treatment Options--CorrosionCorrosion--

• Neutralizing FilterNeutralizing Filter– Limestone chipsLimestone chips– Marble chipsMarble chips

• Caustic Soda (NaOH) FeederCaustic Soda (NaOH) Feeder– metering pump or venturi injectormetering pump or venturi injector

• Soda Ash (NaSoda Ash (Na22COCO33) Feeder) Feeder

– Metering pump or venturi injectorMetering pump or venturi injector

Water Treatment OptionsWater Treatment Options--Hydrogen Sulfide (HHydrogen Sulfide (H22S) “Rotten Egg” OdorS) “Rotten Egg” Odor--

• Activated Carbon FilterActivated Carbon Filter

• Oxidizing FilterOxidizing Filter

• Shock ChlorinationShock Chlorination

• Continuous ChlorinationContinuous Chlorination– Dry pellet chlorinatorDry pellet chlorinator– Chlorine solution metering pump Chlorine solution metering pump – Chlorine solution venturi injectorChlorine solution venturi injector

• OzonationOzonation

TDS/Mineral TreatmentTDS/Mineral Treatment

• Reverse OsmosisReverse Osmosis

• DistillationDistillation

4-stage Reverse Osmosis Unit with Tank and Faucet4-stage Reverse Osmosis Unit with Tank and Faucet

Reverse Osmosis SystemsReverse Osmosis Systems

• Reduce mineral concentrations by Reduce mineral concentrations by 90% 90%

• 15 gallon/day under-sink units: 15 gallon/day under-sink units: $150-$300 $150-$300

• Require pre-softening with hard waterRequire pre-softening with hard water

• Operate on water system pressure (40 psi)Operate on water system pressure (40 psi)

• Wastewater:Treated water ratio Wastewater:Treated water ratio 4 or 5:1 4 or 5:1

• Membranes: Membranes: $70-100 each; $70-100 each; 5 year life 5 year life

Distillation UnitDistillation Unit

Heating Element

Vaporization ChamberCondensing

Coil

Gas Vent

Raw Water Inlet

Distilled Water

Rising Steam

Drain

Countertop DistillersCountertop Distillers- initial cost $150-$1000initial cost $150-$1000

- 4-8 hours/gallon treatment rate4-8 hours/gallon treatment rate

- 2.75-3.0 kWh/gallon energy consumption2.75-3.0 kWh/gallon energy consumption

- removes 99.9% of all contaminantsremoves 99.9% of all contaminants

- electric co-ops often subsidize purchaseelectric co-ops often subsidize purchase

Carbon FiltersCarbon Filters• Remove contaminants by adsorption on carbon Remove contaminants by adsorption on carbon

particle surfaceparticle surface• Hierarchy of contaminant adsorptionHierarchy of contaminant adsorption• Saturated filters can actually increase Saturated filters can actually increase

concentration of some contaminantsconcentration of some contaminants• Not effective on nitrate, hardness or bacteriaNot effective on nitrate, hardness or bacteria• Filter Filter coldcold water only water only• Bigger is better - more surface areaBigger is better - more surface area

Cartridge FiltersCartridge Filters

Filter WrenchFilter Wrench Filter HousingFilter Housing

Carbon CartridgeCarbon Cartridge (taste, odor, (taste, odor, chlorine, organics)chlorine, organics)

Particle CartridgeParticle Cartridge (sand, sediment)(sand, sediment)

Ion Exchange Water SoftenersIon Exchange Water Softeners

• Exchange sodium ions for calcium and Exchange sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions in watermagnesium ions in water

• Increase EC somewhatIncrease EC somewhat

• May be dietary hazard - hypertension May be dietary hazard - hypertension (adds (adds 140 mg/l of sodium in “Hard” water)140 mg/l of sodium in “Hard” water)

• Use potassium salt (KCl) for health reasons Use potassium salt (KCl) for health reasons

Ion exchange softeners replace CaIon exchange softeners replace Ca++++ and Mg and Mg++++ with Na with Na++ ions. ions.

Zeolite medium is recharged with NaZeolite medium is recharged with Na++ by NaCl brine when depleted. by NaCl brine when depleted.

Ion Exchange Water Ion Exchange Water Softener with Sensor- Softener with Sensor- Controlled RechargeControlled Recharge

Softener Selection ConsiderationsSoftener Selection Considerations

• Required grain capacityRequired grain capacity– Daily water use (household population)Daily water use (household population)– Water hardnessWater hardness– Desired regeneration scheduleDesired regeneration schedule

• Initial costInitial cost

• Water conservationWater conservation

• Other (Iron removal, etc.)Other (Iron removal, etc.)

Ion Exchange Water Softener Ion Exchange Water Softener CapacityCapacity

• Rated by grains of hardness treated between regenerationsRated by grains of hardness treated between regenerations• 1 grain/gallon (gpg) = 17.1 mg/l1 grain/gallon (gpg) = 17.1 mg/lExample:Example:Water hardness = 200 mg/l = 200/17.1 = 11.7 gpgWater hardness = 200 mg/l = 200/17.1 = 11.7 gpgSoftener Capacity = 30,000 grainsSoftener Capacity = 30,000 grainsHousehold Population = 4 personsHousehold Population = 4 personsCalculate:Calculate:Water Use = 4 persons x 50gal./person-day = 200 gal./dayWater Use = 4 persons x 50gal./person-day = 200 gal./dayDaily Hardness Treated = 200 gpd x 11.7 gpg = 2339 grains/dayDaily Hardness Treated = 200 gpd x 11.7 gpg = 2339 grains/dayRegeneration Interval = 30,000 grains/ 2339 grains/day = Regeneration Interval = 30,000 grains/ 2339 grains/day = 12.8 days12.8 days

Recommended Softener SizesRecommended Softener Sizes

Pump Capacity Pump Capacity (gpm)(gpm)

Softener Capacity Softener Capacity (grains)(grains)

Water Hardness Water Hardness (mg/l)(mg/l)

3 – 43 – 4 10,00010,000 350350

5 – 65 – 6 15,00015,000 500500

7 – 87 – 8 20,00020,000 850850

9 – 129 – 12 30,00030,000 12001200

12 – 2012 – 20 40,00040,000 15001500

Ion Exchange Water Softener Ion Exchange Water Softener Recharge Control MethodRecharge Control Method

--Time ClockTime Clock

--Flow MeterFlow Meter

--Hardness SensorHardness Sensor

Water Water UseUse

++

Initial CostInitial Cost

++

Typical Programmable Water Softener ControllerTypical Programmable Water Softener Controller

Water SofteningWater Softening

• Permanent magnet water softeners don’t workPermanent magnet water softeners don’t work

• Electrostatic and catalytic descalers may Electrostatic and catalytic descalers may “descale” water, but don’t soften it“descale” water, but don’t soften it– Scale will not buildup on pipes, water heater Scale will not buildup on pipes, water heater

elements, bathtubs etc.elements, bathtubs etc.– Sudsing action of soaps is not improvedSudsing action of soaps is not improved

Private Water System ResourcesPrivate Water System Resources