list the advantages/disadvantages of direct and indirect cold water
systems for uk domestic premises.
answer required within 24hrs please

Dear willing_2002000-ga 

As you have observed, there are two cold water systems used to supply
water to domestic properties in the UK:Direct and Indirect.
The disadvantages associated with one, will often be advantages in the
other system, therefore this list is interchangeable where
appropriate.

Direct
--------

Cold water is supplied directly from the mains to all of the cold
water outlets in the house (taps and sanitary fittings).

Advantages:

A direct cold-water system is simpler and cheaper to install than an
indirect system.
Less pipe work required and a large cold water reserve or cistern does
not have to be installed in the attic or loft, only a small cold water
storage cistern is required to feed the hot water tank.
Drinking water can be obtained from all the cold water outlets.
Mains pressure throughout house.

Disadvantages:

Pipe size must be sufficient.
Reduced pressure and flow rate at peak times.
Showers cannot be pump-boosted.
If the mains supply is cut off there is no reserve.
Direct supply exerts increased pressure on fittings.


Indirect
----------

Apart from the downstairs kitchen sink tap, and possibly washing
machine/dishwasher, water is not supplied directly from the mains to
the outlets, instead it is piped to and stored in the cistern in the
attic.

Advantages:

Cold-water storage cistern gives an even water pressure which produces
quieter plumbing with less wear and tear on fittings.
Leaks are also less likely on cistern fed systems as it is low
pressure and any leak that does occur will be less damaging because
less water will escape from the leak.
Pump-boosted power showers can be installed.
If the mains supply is cut off, there is a reserve stored in the cistern.


Disadvantages:

Noise of cistern filling.
Cistern requires height space to produce ?head of pressure?.
Cistern requires frost protection and maintenance. 
More pipe work required.
Adequate pipe size to cope with several taps. 
The only drinking water is in the cold tap over the kitchen sink.


Sources used in the compilation of this answer
http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/lowercf/pdfdownloads/AppendixM.pdf
http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/diy/webpages/301b.htm#12
http://www.irish-energy.ie/content/content.asp?section_id=794&language_id=1

Images
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/Cold%20water%20systems.htm
Indirect water systems interactive quiz
http://www.edukate.net/ed_tech.htm


I hope this answers your question. If it does not, or the answer is
unclear, then please ask for clarification of this research before
rating the answer. I shall respond to the clarification request as
soon as I receive it.
Thank you
answerfinder

Search strategy
direct indirect "water" house OR domestic
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"direct and indirect" "water supply" cistern
://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22direct+and+indirect%22+%22water+supply%22+cistern&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8