Grid System or Reticular System

In this system one main pipe runs through centre and branches and laterals run in grid pattern which are inter-connected as shown in Figure .

                                                   Figure : Grid System

Since the mains, branches and laterals are inter-connected hence dead ends are eliminated and water is in continuous circulation reaching at different locations through more than one route. Following, pipe friction is minimized and size of pipe gets reduced and at the time of repair in any section, an alternative route is available for supply. At the time of fire, water could be diverted to the affected area by closing cut off valves of other areas. To regulate the supply, valves are provided at different locations as shown in the figure. Since the pipe lines get water from various directions, design is a bit hard, size of pies are larger and more number of sluice valves are required.

The system is most suited for a planned city where road and streets are provided in planned rectangular and square grid patterns. The system is also known as interlaced system.