Designing water supply network

Product	NetSystem 5
Type of article	DESIGNING LESSON
Source for translation	2026-05-05

Scope of lesson

The article presents how to design external Water supply networks.

Modules and program configuration

• NetSystem 5 with the module:
  • Water supply networks.

Project file

The project file used in this lesson: Water supply network (example for the lesson).

Initial state

The project contains complete default data configured in the template file.

Steps to perform

Opening the project file

1. Launch NetSystem 5.5.
   Note: The program interface and basic functions are very similar to those used in InstalSystem 5.5. Therefore, below are links to articles related to InstalSystem 5.5 that are also applicable to NetSystem 5.5.
2. Open a new project.
   For more information, see: Project and application management.
3. Choose the required template file (optional).
   For more information, see: Template files.
   
   

Defining catalogues and general data

Fill in the default data in the General data window:

1. Catalogues – select and move necessary catalogues to the Catalogues in project: table. To speed up the selection, the filters can be used. For more information, see: Using catalogues and catalogues data in the project.
   

   

   1. Catalogues.

   
   
2. Worksheets / Worksheets with maps:
   • (Optionally) Modify The Default terrain elevation,
   • Add new Worksheets with maps, if necessary;
3. Water supply networks / Types and default data - append:
   • Default pipe type: Water supply networks;
   • Default types:
     • Protection tube,
     • Gate valve.
       

       

       2. Types and default data.

       
       
4. Water supply networks / Pipe sizing options - verify pipe sizing parameters.
   

   

   3. Pipe sizing options.

   
   
5. Collisions - check and adjust, if necessary, the settings for conflicting networks relating to the Default axis depth of existing networks and Collisions - distance between netwoks.
   

   

   4. Collisions.

   
   
6. (Optionally) Trenches - add Default linear trench type and Default point trench type.
   

   

   5. Trenches.

   
   
   

Importing geodetic map

Use Import underlay function to download the geodetic map in compatible underlay file formats:

• DWG
• DXF
• PDF
• BMP
• PNG
• JPG
• GIF
  

  

  6. Import underlay.

  
  For DWG Drawing/Underlay the setting Visible in 3D can be turned on and the Elevation at which the map should be visible can be specified in the Data table window .
  

  

  7. Visible in 3D.

  
  For more information, see: Import underlay files.
  
  

Terrain modelling

Related functions are available when the Terrain editing scope is active:

8. Terrain modelling.

1. Terrain modelling:
   • Insert Terrain Under design element or
   • Insert Terrain Existing element;
2. Terrain point:
   • Insert Terrain point - Under designed elements or
   • Insert Terrain point - Existing elements;
3. Roadway:
   • Insert Roadway - Under design element or
   • Insert Roadway - Existing element.
     

     

     9. Terrain Under design.

     
     

Editing network

Carry out inserting and graphic editing operations using the AUTO mode.

1. Select editing scope Water supply networks.
2. Insert basic elements:
   • Water meter chamber,
   • Water pipe network junction,
   • Hydrant,
   • Water pipe network inlet in building;
3. Connect network elements using Section of water-pipe network.
   Note: Alternatively, the network can be drawn first, and then the basic elements can be positioned.
4. (Optionally) Insert Gate valve.
   

   

   10. Water supply networks elements.

   
   
   

Editing data of network elements

1. In the Data table window determine required data for the network elements:
   • Elevation of area under design. The AUTO mode sets the following parameters:
     • for the Water meter chamber / Water pipe network junction within the Terrain Under design area, the value of Elevation of area under design is taken from the model of Terrain,
     • for the Water meter chamber / Water pipe network junction outside the Terrain Under design area, the Default terrain elevation for the Map is propagated by default;
   • Elevation of existing area. The AUTO mode sets the following parameters:
     • for the Water meter chamber / Water pipe network junction within the Terrain Existing area, the value of Elevation of existing area is taken from the model of Terrain,
     • for the Water meter chamber / Water pipe network junction outside the Terrain Existing area, the Default terrain elevation for this element is taken from the Elevation of area under design;
   • Elevation of inlet into the building - for the Water pipe network inlet in building,
   • Function - for the Water pipe network junction,
   • Outflow in point, Req. press. and Max. press. - for the Water pipe network inlet in building and Hydrant,
   • Inlet type in bldg. - for the Water pipe network inlet in building,
   • Shape and Dimensions- for the Water meter chamber.
     

     

     11. Editing data of network elements.

     
     
2. (Optionally) Modify network elements data if data differs from the default settings;
   

   

   12. Data table.

   
   
3. (Optionally) Insert a Local trench element if the Trench parameters for a section of the network differ from the default Trench type;
4. (Optionally) Insert Protection tube;
5. (Optionally) Open Other networks working scope. Insert uncalculated conflicting Other networks, defining the Component status, Position and Technical data.
   

   

   13. Other networks.

   
   
   

Network structure correctness verification

1. Verify correctness of the network structure using Check connections function (shortcut: Shift + F2);
2. Verify correctness of the network structure and detect Collision of network sections in 2D editor and on 3D view. Note: Collision of network sections are highlighted in red on the drawings and displayed in the Project browser window.
   

   File:Designing gravity sewage network Collisions visibility.png

   14. Collision of network sections.

   
   
3. (Optionally) Renumber network elements using Symbols assignment function.
   
   

Calculations and diagnostics

1. Start the calculation of the Water supply networks by clicking in the Calculations section of the toolbar;
2. Сheck messages the Diagnostics window;
3. In the case of necessity verify and adjust the network in accordance with the Editing data of network elements.
   
   

Verification of results

• Verify the results in the Results tables;
  

  

  15. Results tables.

  
  

Every item of the network presented in the Results tables can be found in active windows by using icon.

• The data of each element can be verified directly in the drawings by means of component labeling and hints containing tables with basic parameters.
  

  

  16. Visual verification in the 3D view window.

  
  

(Optionally) Creating Profiles

For more information, see: Creating network profiles.

Preparing drawings and results for printing / exporting

1. To have the results for Water supply networks elements included in the printout of a drawing, appropriate labels must be inserted. For more information, see: Preparation of drawings for export / printing.
2. Completed drawings and results can be printed and/or exported. For more information, see: Export / print results and drawings.

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