What might cause a decrease in water pressure in a distribution system?

What might cause a decrease in water pressure in a distribution system?

• A. Piping material
• B. Backflow preventer malfunction
• C. Pipe leaks or demand exceeding supply
• D. Water treatment chemical levels

Answer: (C)

A decrease in water pressure in a distribution system can indeed be caused by pipe leaks or a demand that exceeds supply. When there are leaks in the pipes, water escapes from the system, leading to a loss of pressure. Additionally, if the demand for water from consumers is greater than what the system can supply, the pressure will drop as the system struggles to meet the excessive demand. Both situations are common issues that directly impact the hydraulic performance of a water distribution system, making it difficult to maintain consistent pressure throughout the system. Piping material, the condition of backflow preventers, and water treatment chemical levels do not inherently cause pressure decreases in the same direct manner. Piping material may affect how durable the pipes are or the overall flow rate, but it doesn't typically cause a pressure drop unless it brings about leaks. Similarly, while a malfunctioning backflow preventer can create issues in the system, it does not directly correlate with a typical decrease in pressure. Lastly, chemical levels in water treatment are more related to water quality and do not significantly influence the hydraulic pressure unless they lead to obstructions or significant changes in water characteristics.

A decrease in water pressure in a distribution system can indeed be caused by pipe leaks or a demand that exceeds supply. When there are leaks in the pipes, water escapes from the system, leading to a loss of pressure. Additionally, if the demand for water from consumers is greater than what the system can supply, the pressure will drop as the system struggles to meet the excessive demand. Both situations are common issues that directly impact the hydraulic performance of a water distribution system, making it difficult to maintain consistent pressure throughout the system.

Piping material, the condition of backflow preventers, and water treatment chemical levels do not inherently cause pressure decreases in the same direct manner. Piping material may affect how durable the pipes are or the overall flow rate, but it doesn't typically cause a pressure drop unless it brings about leaks. Similarly, while a malfunctioning backflow preventer can create issues in the system, it does not directly correlate with a typical decrease in pressure. Lastly, chemical levels in water treatment are more related to water quality and do not significantly influence the hydraulic pressure unless they lead to obstructions or significant changes in water characteristics.