Domestic connection
- Slovak term: Slovenský termín
- A water distribution system in which water is piped to every house (WHO and IRC 2003).
- Domestic connection as it relates to water supply is a drinking water pipe connection between the public supply and a point adjacent to usually inside the boundary line of a private property (New Zealand Department of Building and Housing 2007).
- A pipe connection between the water supply authority’s pipe and the property boundary (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).
Explanation
When enough water and funds are available, the best option is to connect every house to a piped water distribution system. This is more convenient for water users, generally increases water use, and improves hygiene. A service pipe, usually made of copper or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE), leads from the distribution network to the house or yard. The domestic connection can consist of a single tap on a post, or a system of pipes and taps in a house. A gate valve and a water meter are normally installed at the entry to the premises. Drainage must also be provided (WHO and IRC 2003).
The domestic connection usually terminates at the outlet of the water meter installed inside and adjacent to the property boundary, or if no meter is required, at the connection to the private water supply pipe adjacent to but inside the property boundary (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).
Example
The domestic connection transports drinking water from the main to a property for normal domestic use within that property. It may be a residential place of living. It also includes schools and commercial premises for the same domestic uses. It must be protected from contamination at all times. It must be installed in a manner which avoids the likelihood of cross connection, and installed using approved materials that will not contaminate the water (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).
References
- WHO and IRC International Water and Sanitation Center (2003) Linking technology choice with operation and maintenance in the context of community water supply and sanitation: A reference document for planners and project staff
- New Zealand Department of Building and Housing (2007) Compliance Document for New
- Zealand Building Code. Water Supplies. Third Edition
