DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

ASSIGNMENT NO 1

Submitted By:
Muhammad Muzammil

Registration No.:

2022-CIV-311

Submitted To:

Engr. Intezar Hussain

Date of Submission:
February18,2026

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

LAHORE, NAROWAL CAMPUS
 Table of Contents
1.1 DESIGN CRITERIA’S IMPORTANCE IN URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE .................1
1.2 OVERVIEW OF SEWERAGE SYSTEM DESIGN ..................................................1
1.3 DESIGN PERIOD CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................2
1.4 POPULATION AND WASTEWATER GENERATION ..............................................2
1.5 SEWER ALIGNMENT AND LAYOUT .....................................................................2
1.6 MINIMUM SEWER SIZE ........................................................................................2
1.7 HYDRAULIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................3
1.8 DEPTH OF SEWER ...............................................................................................3
1.9 MANHOLES AND INSPECTION CHAMBERS .......................................................3
1.10 SEWER PIPE MATERIALS ....................................................................................3
1.11 STORM WATER CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................4
1.12 SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS ............................................................................4
1.13 PUMP STATION DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................4
1.14 RISING MAIN DESIGN ..........................................................................................4
1.15 INTRODUCTION TO WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM DESIGN....................................5
1.16 WATER DEMAND ESTIMATION ............................................................................5
1.17 PER CAPITA WATER DEMAND .............................................................................5
1.18 DISTRIBUTION NETWORK LAYOUT ....................................................................5
1.19 PIPE DESIGN AND SIZING ...................................................................................5
1.20 PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................6
1.21 STORAGE RESERVOIRS ......................................................................................6
1.22 PUMPING IN WATER SUPPLY ..............................................................................6
1.23 LEAKAGE AND LOSS CONTROL .........................................................................6
1.24 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS ......................................6
1.25 ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT ..............................................7
1.26 PRACTICAL ENGINEERING CHALLENGES ........................................................7
1.27 MODERN IMPROVEMENTS IN URBAN WATER SYSTEMS ................................7
1.28 CONCLUSION........................................................................................................7
TOPIC:
WASA DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SEWER DESIGN
AND WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
In urban engineering, water supply and sewerage systems form the backbone of public
health and city functionality. A city may look modern on the surface, but if water distribution
is poor or sewage disposal fails, daily life quickly becomes difficult. Therefore, municipal
agencies establish technical criteria so engineers can design systems that are safe,
durable, economical, and able to serve future populations.

In Pakistan, the agency responsible for urban water supply and sewerage management in
Lahore is Water and Sanitation Agency Lahore, commonly known as WASA. The city of
Lahore has grown rapidly, and the design standards developed by WASA aim to manage
both present and future urban demands. These standards guide engineers in designing
sewer networks, pumping stations, and water supply distribution systems.

1.1 DESIGN CRITERIA’S IMPORTANCE IN URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Before discussing technical details, it is important to understand why design criteria exist.
Infrastructure systems remain underground and unseen, yet they directly influence
sanitation, disease control, and living standards.
A poorly designed sewer may overflow during rain, contaminate drinking water, or damage
roads. Similarly, an inadequate water supply system leads to shortages, pressure failures,
and unsafe water delivery.

Therefore, design criteria ensure:

▪ Systems function efficiently for many decades.

▪ Future population growth is considered.
▪ Construction remains economical.
▪ Maintenance requirements remain manageable.
▪ Public health standards are maintained.

WASA standards are developed considering local climate, population patterns, soil
conditions, and urban development trends.

1.2 OVERVIEW OF SEWERAGE SYSTEM DESIGN

A sewerage system collects wastewater from homes, industries, and commercial areas
and safely transports it to treatment or disposal locations.

The sewer network normally includes:

1. House connections
2. Street sewers
3. Branch sewers
4. Main trunk sewers

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 5. Pumping stations (if gravity flow is insufficient)
6. Disposal or treatment points
The system usually operates under gravity flow, reducing energy use and maintenance
costs.

1.3 DESIGN PERIOD CONSIDERATIONS

WASA recommends designing sewer systems for long service life. Sewer networks are
difficult and expensive to replace, so engineers plan them for future demand.

Typical design periods include:

▪ Sewer networks: 30–50 years

▪ Pumping stations: 25–30 years
▪ Mechanical equipment: shorter replacement cycles

Population forecasts are critical. Engineers estimate future population using growth trends
and urban expansion data. Flow capacity must accommodate peak demand decades
ahead.

1.4 POPULATION AND WASTEWATER GENERATION

Wastewater generation depends on water consumption. Normally, about 80% of supplied
water becomes sewage.

Thus,

Wastewater Flow ≈ 0.8 × Water Supply

Population density assumptions vary by residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

Accurate estimates prevent undersized or oversized sewers.
Peak flow factors are applied because sewage flow fluctuates during the day. Morning and
evening peaks are common.

1.5 SEWER ALIGNMENT AND LAYOUT

Proper alignment ensures efficient flow and ease of maintenance.

Key layout considerations include:

▪ Sewers usually follow road alignments.
▪ They are placed along one side of the road.
▪ Depth should allow house connections by gravity.
▪ Future road widening must be considered.

Sharp bends are avoided, and inspection chambers are provided where direction changes
occur.

1.6 MINIMUM SEWER SIZE

Very small pipes clog easily. WASA criteria specify minimum diameters to maintain self-
cleaning velocity.

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Typical minimum sizes:

▪ Lateral sewers: around 225 mm diameter

▪ Branch or main sewers: larger depending on area served

Minimum velocity ensures solids do not settle inside pipes.

1.7 HYDRAULIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Hydraulic performance is crucial. Sewer pipes must carry flow without sediment
deposition.

Important criteria include:

▪ Minimum velocity: prevents deposition
▪ Maximum velocity: prevents pipe erosion
▪ Partial flow condition: pipes are not designed to flow full under normal conditions
▪ Manning’s equation used for flow calculations

Design slopes depend on pipe size and expected flow.

1.8 DEPTH OF SEWER

Depth is governed by:

▪ House connection requirements

▪ Road crossings
▪ Existing utilities
▪ Ground profile

Too shallow pipes risk damage, while overly deep pipes increase construction costs.

1.9 MANHOLES AND INSPECTION CHAMBERS

Manholes allow inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.

They are provided:

▪ At pipe junctions
▪ At direction changes
▪ At slope changes
▪ At regular intervals on straight runs

Spacing depends on pipe diameter, generally ranging from 30 to 100 meters.

Manhole design ensures worker safety and structural stability.

1.10 SEWER PIPE MATERIALS

Material selection affects durability and cost.
Common materials include:
▪ Reinforced concrete pipes
▪ PVC pipes

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 ▪ Ductile iron pipes (special cases)

Material choice depends on load conditions, soil environment, and pipe diameter.

1.11 STORM WATER CONSIDERATIONS

In some areas, sewer systems may receive storm runoff due to illegal or mixed
connections. Therefore, capacity allowances are sometimes included.
However, modern practice prefers separate sewer and storm drainage systems.

1.12 SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS

Gravity flow is ideal but not always possible due to terrain. Pumping stations lift sewage to
higher elevations.

Key components include:

▪ Wet well
▪ Pumps
▪ Screens
▪ Valves
▪ Rising mains
▪ Power supply
▪ Backup systems
Design must ensure uninterrupted operation.

1.13 PUMP STATION DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Design involves:

▪ Estimating peak flow

▪ Selecting number and capacity of pumps
▪ Providing standby units
▪ Ensuring ventilation
▪ Providing emergency overflow arrangements

Maintenance access and worker safety are also critical.

1.14 RISING MAIN DESIGN

Pipelines carrying pumped sewage are called rising mains.

Design considerations include:

▪ Pressure rating
▪ Surge protection
▪ Air release valves
▪ Proper anchoring

Velocity must be controlled to avoid energy loss and pipe damage.

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1.15 INTRODUCTION TO WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM DESIGN
Water supply systems deliver safe drinking water to residents and industries.

A complete system includes:

▪ Water source
▪ Treatment plant
▪ Storage reservoirs
▪ Pumping stations
▪ Distribution pipelines

Each component must function efficiently.

1.16 WATER DEMAND ESTIMATION

Demand depends on population and usage patterns.

Water use categories include:

▪ Domestic consumption
▪ Commercial use
▪ Industrial demand
▪ Fire fighting
▪ Public usage
▪ System losses

Future demand projections are essential for planning.

1.17 PER CAPITA WATER DEMAND

Typical water consumption ranges between 100–250 liters per person per day depending
on urban conditions.
Higher consumption occurs in developed urban areas with better facilities.

1.18 DISTRIBUTION NETWORK LAYOUT

Water networks may follow:

▪ Grid system
▪ Branch system
▪ Ring system
▪ Combined system

Grid or loop systems provide better pressure and reliability.

1.19 PIPE DESIGN AND SIZING

Pipe diameter depends on:

▪ Population served
▪ Peak demand
▪ Required pressure

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 ▪ Flow velocity limits

Too small pipes cause pressure losses; too large pipes increase costs.

1.20 PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS

Adequate pressure ensures water reaches upper floors.
Minimum and maximum pressure limits are maintained to avoid supply failure or pipe
damage.

1.21 STORAGE RESERVOIRS

Reservoirs balance supply and demand variations.

Types include:

▪ Ground reservoirs
▪ Elevated tanks
▪ Underground tanks

Storage must accommodate peak hourly demand and emergency reserves.

1.22 PUMPING IN WATER SUPPLY

Where gravity supply is not possible, pumps are used.

Design must consider:

▪ Efficiency
▪ Reliability
▪ Power availability
▪ Standby pumps

Automation improves operation reliability.

1.23 LEAKAGE AND LOSS CONTROL

Water losses reduce efficiency.

Control measures include:

▪ Pressure management
▪ Leak detection
▪ Metering
▪ Regular maintenance

Reducing losses saves energy and resources.

1.24 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Design must consider maintenance ease.

Key aspects include:

▪ Access points

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 ▪ Isolation valves
▪ Standardized components
▪ Safety measures

Good design reduces operational costs.

1.25 ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT

Proper sewer and water supply systems prevent:

▪ Waterborne diseases
▪ Environmental pollution
▪ Groundwater contamination

Thus, infrastructure design directly protects communities.

1.26 PRACTICAL ENGINEERING CHALLENGES

Design is not always straightforward. Engineers face challenges like:
▪ Existing utility congestion
▪ Budget limitations
▪ Urban encroachments
▪ Soil and groundwater problems

Adaptation and smart planning become necessary.

1.27 MODERN IMPROVEMENTS IN URBAN WATER SYSTEMS

Cities are moving toward smarter systems:

▪ SCADA monitoring
▪ Smart meters
▪ Leak detection sensors
▪ Energy-efficient pumping

Future systems focus on sustainability and reuse.

1.28 CONCLUSION
WASA design criteria provide structured guidance for designing sewerage and water
supply systems capable of serving expanding urban populations. Sewer systems must
transport wastewater safely without blockages or overflows, while water supply networks
must deliver clean water at reliable pressure.

Proper estimation of population, demand, flow, and future expansion ensures

infrastructure sustainability. Pumping stations, reservoirs, pipelines, and treatment
facilities must function together as a unified system.

For civil engineering students, understanding these criteria is essential because urban
infrastructure will continue expanding. The responsibility lies on engineers to design
systems that protect public health, conserve resources, and remain functional for decades.

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In reality, good infrastructure is invisible. People only notice it when it fails. Hence, proper
planning and adherence to design standards ensure cities remain livable and healthy.