A water tap

Tap water (running water) is part of indoor plumbing, which became available in the late 19th century and common in the mid-20th century. Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 829 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 829 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... A plumber wrench for working on pipes and fittings A complex arrangement of rigid steel piping, stop valves regulate flow to various parts of the building. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999 in the...

The provision of tap water requires a massive infrastructure of piping, pumps, and water purification works. The direct cost of the tap water alone, however, is a small fraction of that of bottled water, often as little as 0.01%^{[citation needed]}. Experimental attempts have been made to introduce non-potable greywater or rainwater for these secondary uses in order to reduce enormous environmental and energy costs. In urban China, drinking water can be optionally delivered by a separate tap. Piping is used to convey fluids (usually liquids and gases but sometimes loose solids) from one location to another. ... This article is about a mechanical device. ... Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from a raw water source. ... A 1. ... Greywater, sometimes spelled graywater, grey water or gray water and also known as sullage, is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as washing dishes, laundry and bathing. ... This article is about precipitation. ...

The availability of clean tap water brings major public health benefits. Usually, the same administration that provides tap water is also responsible for the removal and treatment before discharge or reclamation of wastewater. Public health is the study and practice of addressing threats to the health of a community. ... Wastewater is any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence. ...

In many areas, fluoride is added to the tap water as a means to improve public dental health. This remains a controversial issue in the health, freedoms and rights of the individual. This article needs cleanup. ...

Tap water may contain various types of natural but relatively harmless contaminants such as scaling agents like calcium carbonate in hard water and metal ions such as magnesium and iron, and odoriferous gases such as hydrogen sulfide. Local geological conditions affecting groundwater are determining factors of the presence of these substances in water. Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, with the chemical formula CaCO3. ... The hardness of the water results in a calcification Hard water is water that has a high mineral content (contrast with soft water), usually consisting of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions, and possibly including other dissolved metals, bicarbonates, and sulfates. ... This article is about metallic materials. ... This article is about the electrically charged particle. ... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... General Name, symbol, number iron, Fe, 26 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 8, 4, d Appearance lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge Standard atomic weight 55. ... Hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulphide in British English) is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. This colorless, toxic and flammable gas is responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs and flatulence. ... Groundwater is water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of lithologic formations. ...

Occasionally, there are health scares concerning the leakage of dangerous biological or chemical contaminating agents into local water supplies when people are advised by public health officials not to drink the water, and stick to bottled water instead. An example is the recent discovery of potentially hazardous nitrates in the public water supply in Phoenix, Arizona [1]. Biology studies the variety of life (clockwise from top-left) E. coli, tree fern, gazelle, Goliath beetle Biology is the science of life (from the Greek words bios = life and logos = word). ... A chemical substance is any material substance used in or obtained by a process in chemistry: A chemical compound is a substance consisting of two or more chemical elements that are chemically combined in fixed proportions. ... Hazard may mean: Dangers, risks, problems A hazard is a source of potential harm. ... Nitrates are the salts of nitric acid. ... Nickname: Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: , Country State County Maricopa Incorporated February 25, 1881 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Phil Gordon (D) Area  - City  515. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ...

Tap water uses

The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.

According to a 1999 American Water Works Association study^{[citation needed]} on residential end uses of water in the United States, Americans drink more than 1 glass of tap water per day (the daily human drinking water requirement being 2-3 quarts). Daily indoor per capita water use in a typical single family home is 69.3 gallons (260 litres), falling into the following categories: Image File history File links Gnome-globe. ... American Water Works Association (AWWA) is a international professional organization dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply. ... A residential area is a type of land use where the predominant use is residential. ... Tap water Mineral Water Drinking water is water that is intended to be ingested through drinking by humans. ... For other uses, see Quart (disambiguation). ... The gallon (abbreviation: gal) is a unit of volume. ... The litre or liter (see spelling differences) is a unit of volume. ...

• Toilets - 26.7% (18.5 gal.)
• Clothes Washers - 21.7% (15 gal.)
• Showers - 16.8% (11.6 gal.)
• Faucets (including drinking water at ca. 1%) - 15.7% (10.9 gal.)
• Leaks - 12.7% (9.5 gal.)
• Baths - 1.7% (1.2 gal.)
• Dishwashers - 1.4% (1.0 gal.)
• Other indoor domestic uses - 2.2% (1.6 gal.)]]

Of all water supplied to studied homes annually, for perspective, 42 percent was for indoor purposes and 58 percent for outdoor purposes. For other uses, see Toilet (disambiguation). ... Front-loading washing machine. ... For other uses, see Shower (disambiguation). ... Categories: Stub ... Tap water Mineral Water Drinking water is water that is intended to be ingested through drinking by humans. ... An Internet leak occurs when a partys confidential intellectual property is released to the public on the Internet. ... Children bathing in a small metal bathtub Bathing is the immersion of the body in fluid, usually water, or an aqueous solution. ... A Dishwasher A two drawer DishDrawer dishwasher. ...

Potable water supply

This supply may come from several possible sources.

• Municipal water supply
• Water wells
• Delivered by truck
• Processed water from creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, rainwater, etc.

Domestic water systems have been evolving since the first thinking man located his home near a running water supply, e.g. a stream or river. The water flow also allowed sending waste water away from his domicile. Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from a raw water source. ... Village pump redirects here, for information on Wikipedia project-related discussions, see Wikipedia:Village pump. ...

Modern indoor plumbing delivers clean, safe, potable water to each service point in the distribution system. It is imperative that the clean water not be contaminated by the waste water (disposal) side of the process system. Historically, this contamination of drinking water has been the largest killer of humans.^[1]

Hot water supply

Domestic hot water is provided by means of water heater appliances, or through district heating. The hot water from these units is then piped to the various fixtures and appliances that require hot water, such as lavatories, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. A trio of propane hot water heaters. ... District heating pipe in Tübingen, Germany District heating (less commonly called teleheating) is a system for distributing heat generated in a centralized location for residential and commercial heating requirements. ...

Fixtures and appliances

Everything in a building that uses water falls under one of two categories; Fixture or Appliance. As the consumption points above perform their function, most produce waste/sewage components that will require removal by the waste/sewage side of the system.

Fixtures are devices that use water without an additional source of power.

Appliances are devices that use water coupled with an additional source of power. connection to these appliances incorporates a backflow prevention principle of some form -- the minimum is an air gap. See cross connection control & backflow prevention for an overview of backflow prevention methods and devices currently in use, both through the use of mechanical and physical principles.

Pipe materials

In old construction, lead plumbing was common. It was generally eclipsed toward the end of the 1800s by galvanized iron water pipes which were attached with threaded pipe fittings. Higher durability, and cost, systems were made with brass pipe and fittings. Copper with soldered fittings became popular around 1950, though it had been used as early as 1900. Plastic supply pipes have become increasingly common since about 1970, with a variety of materials and fittings employed. Plumbing codes define which materials may be used, and all materials must be proven by ASTM, UL, and/or NFPA testing. General Name, Symbol, Number lead, Pb, 82 Chemical series Post-transition metals or poor metals Group, Period, Block 14, 6, p Appearance bluish gray Standard atomic weight 207. ... A plumber wrench for working on pipes and fittings A complex arrangement of rigid steel piping, stop valves regulate flow to various parts of the building. ... A system of copper water tubes used in a radiator heating system. ... A threaded pipe plug; note that the threaded portion is slightly conical and so touches the calipers at only two points. ... Brazen redirects here. ... For other uses, see Copper (disambiguation). ... (De)soldering a contact from a wire. ... A building code, or building control, is a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. ...

Steel

Galvanized steel supply pipes are commonly found with interior diameters from 1/2" to 2", though most single family homes' systems won't require any supply pipes larger than 3/4". Pipes have National Pipe Thread (NPT) standard male threads, which connect with female threads on elbows, tees, couplers, valves, and other fittings. Galvanized steel (often known simply as "galv" or "iron" in the plumbing trade) is relatively expensive, difficult to work with due to weight and requirement of a pipe threader, and suffers from a tendency to obstruction due to mineral deposits forming on the inside of the pipe. It remains common for repair of existing "galv" systems and to satisfy building code non-combustibility requirements typically found in hotels, apartment buildings and other commercial applications. It is also extremely durable. Black lacquered steel pipe is the most widely used pipe material for fire sprinklers. Hot-dip galvanizing is the process of coating iron or steel with a thin zinc layer by passing the steel through a molten bath of zinc at a temperature of around 460°C. Zinc rusts to form zinc oxide, a fairly strong material that stops further rusting, protecting the steel... Pipe is a tube or hollow cylinder for the conveyance of fluid, gas and sometimes other materials. ... Threaded pipe and elbow National Pipe Thread is a U.S. standard for tapered (NPT) or straight (NPS) threads used to join pipes and fittings. ... // These water valves are operated by handles. ... A building code, or building control, is a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. ... Fire sprinklers are an active fire protection measure subject to stringent bounding. ...

Copper

Tubing made of copper was introduced in about 1900, but didn't become popular until approximately 1950, depending on local building code adoption. Common wall-thicknesses of copper tubing are "Type K", "Type L" and "Type M";^[2] Type "M" are relatively thin-walled and generally suitable for condensate and other drains, but sometimes illegal for pressure applications, depending on local codes. Type "L" has a thicker pipe wall section, and is used in residential and commercial water supply and pressure applications, Type "K" has the thickest wall section of the three types of pressure rated tubing and is commonly used for deep underground burial such as under sidewalks and streets, with a suitable corrosion protection coating or continuous polyethylene sleeve as required by code. Types "K" and "L" are generally available in both hard drawn "sticks" and in rolls of soft annealed tubing, Type "M" is usually only available in hard drawn "sticks". Thin-walled types used to be relatively inexpensive, but since 2002 copper prices have risen considerably due to rising global demand and a stagnant supply. Tubing refers to a flexible hose or pipe used in plumbing, irrigation, and other industries. ... For other uses, see Copper (disambiguation). ...

In the plumbing trade the size of copper tubing is measured by its nominal diameter (average inside diameter). Some trades, heating and cooling technicians for instance, use the outside diameter (OD) to designate copper tube sizes. The OD of copper tube is always 1/8th inch larger than its nominal size. Therefore, 1" nominal copper tube and 1-1/8th" inch ACR tube are exactly the same tube with different size designations. The wall thickness of the tube, as mentioned above, never affects the sizing of the tube. Type K 1/2" nominal tube, is the same size as Type L 1/2" nominal tube (5/8" ACR).

Generally, copper tubes are soldered directly into copper or brass fittings, although compression, crimp, or flare fittings are also used. Formerly, concerns with copper supply tubes included the lead used in the solder at joints (50% tin and 50% lead). Some studies have shown significant "leaching" of the lead into the potable water stream, particularly after long periods of low usage, followed by peak demand periods. In hard water applications, shortly after installation, the interior of the pipes will be coated with the deposited minerals, which had been dissolved in the water and therefore the vast majority of exposed lead would be prevented from entering the potable water. Building codes now require lead-free solder. Building Codes throughout the U.S. require the use of virtually "lead-free" (<.2% lead) solder or filler metals in plumbing fittings and appliances as well. A solder is a fusible metal alloy, with a melting point or melting range below 450 °C (840 °F), which is melted to join metallic surfaces, especially in the fields of electronics and plumbing, in a process called soldering. ... A solder is a fusible metal alloy, with a melting point or melting range of 180-190°C (360-370 °F), which is melted to join metallic surfaces, especially in the fields of electronics and plumbing, in a process called soldering. ... The hardness of the water results in a calcification Hard water is water that has a high mineral content (contrast with soft water), usually consisting of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions, and possibly including other dissolved metals, bicarbonates, and sulfates. ... A building code, or building control, is a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. ...

Plastics

Plastic pipe is in wide use for domestic water supply and drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) pipe. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polypropylene (PP), polybutlyene (PB), and polyethylene (PE) may be allowed by code for certain uses. Some examples of plastics in water supply systems are: Polyvinyl chloride Polyvinyl chloride, (IUPAC Polychloroethene) commonly abbreviated PVC, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. ... Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic produced by chlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. ... Polypropylene lid of a Tic Tacs box, with a living hinge and the resin identification code under its flap Micrograph of polypropylene Polypropylene or polypropene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer, made by the chemical industry and used in a wide variety of applications, including food packaging, ropes, textiles, stationery, plastic... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

• PVC/CPVC - rigid plastic pipes similar to PVC drain pipes but with thicker walls to deal with municipal water pressure, introduced around 1970. PVC should be used for cold water only, or venting. CPVC can be used for hot and cold potable water supply. Connections are made with primers and solvent cements as required by code.

• PBT - flexible (usually gray or blue) plastic pipe which is attached to barbed fittings and secured in place with a copper crimp ring. The primary manufacturer of PBT tubing and fittings was driven into bankruptcy by a class-action lawsuit over failures of this system. However, PB and PBT tubing has returned to the market and codes, typically first for 'exposed locations' such as risers.

• PEX - cross linked polyethylene system with mechanically joined fittings employing barbs and crimped steel or copper fittings.

• Polytanks - plastic polyethylene cisterns, underground water tanks, above ground water tanks, are made of linear polyethylene suitable as a potable water storage tank, provided in white, black or green, approved by NSF and made of FDA approved materials.

• Aqua - known as PEX-Al-PEX, for its PEX/aluminum sandwich - aluminum pipe sandwiched between layers of PEX and connected with brass compression fittings. In 2005, a large number of their fittings were recalled.

Polyvinyl chloride Polyvinyl chloride, (IUPAC Polychloroethene) commonly abbreviated PVC, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. ... Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic produced by chlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. ... Polyvinyl chloride Polyvinyl chloride, (IUPAC Polychloroethene) commonly abbreviated PVC, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. ... Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a plastic that is used as an insulator in the electrical and electronics industries. ... PEX is the common name for cross-linked high-density polyethylene. ...

Fittings and valves

Potable water supply systems require not only pipe, but also many fittings and valves which add considerably to their functionality as well as cost. The Piping and plumbing fittings and Valves articles discuss them further. Piping is used to convey fluids (usually liquids and gases but sometimes loose solids) from one location to another. ... Fittings are used in pipe and plumbing systems to connect straight pipe or tubing sections, to adapt to different sizes or shapes, and to regulate fluid flow, for example. ... // These water valves are operated by handles. ...

Regulation and compliance

Before a water supply system is constructed or modified, the designer and contractor need to consult the local plumbing code and obtain a building permits prior to construction.^[3][4] Even replacing an existing water heater may require a permit and inspection of the work. National and local fire codes should be integrated in the design phase of the water system too to prevent "failure comply with regulations" notices. Some areas of the United States require on-site water reserves of potable and fire water by law.

Waste water

The waste water from the various appliances, fixtures, and taps is transferred to the waste and sewage removal system via the sewage drain system. This system consists of larger diameter piping, water traps, and is well vented to prevent toxic gases from entering the living space. The plumbing drains and vents article discusses the topic further, and introduces sewage treatment. A buildings waste-disposal system has two parts: the drainage system and the venting system. ... Sewage treatment, or domestic wastewater treatment, is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater, both runoff and domestic. ...

Tap Water vs Bottled Water

The neutrality of this section is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. This section has been tagged since January 2008.

The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.

Tap water is an alternative to bottled water, and is preferred by many Americans because their water wholesalers and water companies claim to provide pure, clean and healthy water to consumers. Image File history File links Gnome-globe. ...

In 2007, it was found that some bottled water companies were selling water that was contaminated and less healthy for consumers than tap water. The Natural Resources Defense Council {NRDC) conducted a four year study on bottled water. The results of this study show that one-third of the bottled water tested contained levels of contamination which exceeds allowable limits under either state or bottled water industry standards or guidelines. This information is provided by NRDC at ^[5] Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) [1] is a leftist, New York City-based, non-profit, non-partisan environmental advocacy group, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles. ...

Many large corporations and some water companies and wholesalers, especially in the California Bay Area are now making a large effort to promote tap water over bottled water. Some of the Bay Area cities that promote tap over bottled water include San Francisco, Emeryville, Santa Clara, and Oakland. The Santa Clara Valley Water District in Santa Clara County launched its tap v bottled water campaign, with the slogan, “Tap Water, the Clear Choice”, in 2007. The District's campaign is found at its Tap v Bottled Site.

During the 2007 U.S Conference of Mayors, the mayors of San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis signed a pledge to promote tap water over bottled water as part of the “Think Outside the Bottle” campaign.This information is found at: ^[6]

See also

Water Portal

• Drought
• Fountain
• Irrigation
• Rainwater
• Water supply
• Water cycle

Image File history File links Drinking_water. ... Fields outside Benambra, Victoria, Australia suffering from drought conditions A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply. ... The worlds highest fountain: King Fahds Fountain in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Three traditional fountain features: a low jet, a pair of raised basins, and sculpture with a water theme, here hippocamps (Villa Borghese, Rome) A traditional fountain is an arrangement where water issues from a source (Latin fons... Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil usually for assisting in growing crops. ... Rain falling For other uses see Rain (disambiguation). ... Water supply is the process of self-provision or provision by third parties of water of various qualities to different users. ... The movement of water around, over, and through the Earth is called the water cycle. ...

References

1. ^ Plumbing: the Arteries of Civilization, Modern Marvels video series, The History Channel, AAE-42223, A&E Television, 1996
2. ^ Copper Tube Handbook, the Copper Development Association, New York, USA, 2006
3. ^ Uniform Plumbing Code, IAPMO
4. ^ International Plumbing Code, ICC
5. ^ http://www.pacinst.org/topics/water_and_sustainability/bottled_water/index.htm
6. ^ http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/tob/File/Austin_Press_Release_10.10.pdf

• ASTM B75-02 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube
• ASTM B42-02e1 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Pipe, Standard Sizes
• ASTM B88-03 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube

ASTM International is an international voluntary standards organization that develops and produces technical standards for materials, products, systems and services. ... ASTM International is an international voluntary standards organization that develops and produces technical standards for materials, products, systems and services. ... ASTM International is an international voluntary standards organization that develops and produces technical standards for materials, products, systems and services. ...

External links

• Santa Clara Valley Water District's Tap v Bottled Campaign Site
• US Environmental Protection Agency Drinking water page
• American Water Works Association for professionals in water production and distribution and other water fields.
• Bottled Water: Better than the Tap? - A Food and Drug Administration site, explains different sources & treatment of water in depth and compares them.
• E the Environmental Magazine piece on bottled water (Oct 2003).
• the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
• the International Code Council
• the American Society for Testing and Materials
• the National Ground Water Association
• The Copper Development Association
• ELocalPlumbers - The nation's #1 directory of local plumbers