Ujësjellës

Ujësjellës is the system of pipes, pumps, valves, and related infrastructure that transports potable water from sources such as rivers, reservoirs, or groundwater to households, industries, and institutions. The term derives from Albanian, with ujë meaning water and sjell to bring or carry. In practice, it refers to the water supply network that ensures delivery of treated water to end users.

A modern ujësjellës network typically includes water treatment facilities, pumping stations, storage reservoirs, distribution mains, service connections, water meters, and control and monitoring systems. The network is usually organized into pressure zones to maintain adequate pressure across service areas. Water can reach consumers by gravity from elevated tanks or by pumped circulation, depending on terrain, demand patterns, and design.

Operations focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency. Treatment aims to meet drinking-water standards before distribution. Monitoring and automation (such as SCADA systems) manage flow, pressure, and quality. Backflow prevention, leak detection, and routine maintenance are essential to protect health and reduce losses. Energy management is also part of daily operation, given the pumping requirements.

Challenges include aging infrastructure, leaks and non-revenue water, contamination risks, and the need for resilience against climate variability. Rehabilitation, pipe replacement, water loss reduction, smart metering, and network optimization are common strategies. Governance typically places ujësjellës under public utilities or municipal authorities, with tariffs and service standards established by policy.

See also: water supply, water treatment, pipeline, distribution network, municipal utility.