本文讨论了使我们的现代配水系统成为可能的科学和技术进步。本文首先简要介绍了早期分销系统的历史，并记录了向现代分销系统的过渡。讨论了水力学、管道、泵、消防、计量、储罐、水质考虑、水力分析和计算机应用等科学。包括24篇参考文献。

This article discusses the advances in science and technology that made our modern water distribution systems possible. The article begins with a brief history of early distribution systems, and chronicles the transition to modern day distribution systems. The science of hydraulics, piping, pumps, fire protection, metering, storage tanks, water quality considerations, hydraulic analysis, and computer applications are all discussed. Includes 24 references.