Water comes from rainfall and is treated through processes like settling, filtering, softening, chlorination and fluoridation before being piped into homes. The water supply enters homes through main pipes and service pipes, with the freshest water coming from the cold kitchen tap. Other taps get water from a storage tank, usually in the attic. Hard water can cause issues like limescale but tastes better, and is softened through adding chloride of lime during treatment.

1. Water
© PDST Home Economics

2. Water cycle
Water we use
in our houses
comes from
rainfall which
forms rivers or
lakes or
reservoirs, is
then treated
and piped to
our houses.

3. Water
Treatment
Settling
Filtering
‘Softening’ - Chloride of
Lime added
Chlorination – kill
bacteria
Fluoridation – stop tooth
decay

4. The water supply in the home
Water leaves the treatment plant in large pipes called
mains.
A branch of the mains pipe goes into each house this is
called a service pipe
There is a stop valve on the service pipe that can be
used to turn off the water for repairs
A branch of the service pipe goes to the cold tap of the
kitchen sink, this is the freshest water in the house and
should be used for drinking and cooking.
The other branch of the service pipe goes to the storage
tank usually on the attic and the water for all other taps
is supplied from here

5. The water
supply in
the home

6. Hard Water
Hard water is cause by compounds of calcium and
magnesium dissolved in the water.
These compounds react with detergents and form
scum which makes difficult to use the water for
cleaning
When boiled the chemicals become insoluble and form
a scale inside pipes and kettles and boiler which can
clog them and make them inefficient
The advantage of hard water is it taste nicer to drink
and some of the minerals in it are good for us.
Chloride of Lime is added to hard water ‘soften’ it

8. Burst pipe
Turn off water at
the mains
Run all cold taps to
drain the system
Do not turn on
central heating or
use a back boiler
Call the plumber

9. The Kitchen sink
Usually located under a window on an
outside wall because:
Makes plumbing easier
Ventilation
Good lighting
Most are made from stainless steel
because:
Easy to clean
Durable
Hygienic
Stain and heat resistant

10. ‘S’ trap or U-bend
The ‘S’ trap or U-bend
under the sink is
designed so that it
always contains water.
The water prevents
smell and bacteria
coming back into the
kitchen from drains or
sewers.
After a sink is emptied
the ‘S’ trap should be
flushed with clean water
from the cold tap.

11. Blocked sink
Plunger
Washing soda
Wire
Open S-trap
Plumber

12. Saving Energy
Lower thermostats
Switch off heat and light
Close doors
Keep boilers serviced
Good Insulation
Heavy lined curtains
Timers on heat & water
Draught proof doors and
windows
Turn off appliances fully

13. Saving Energy
Lag cylinder
Shower instead of
bath
Avoid running
water
Fill appliances
before use
Use ½ load &
economy cycles
Buy energy saving
appliances
Use CFL’s