What does "head" refer to in a pumping system?

In the context of a pumping system, "head" refers specifically to the force against which the pump works, typically measured in feet or meters. This encompasses the total height that the pump must overcome in order to move water from one point to another. It includes factors such as vertical lift (the height difference between the source and discharge points), friction loss in the pipeline, and any additional resistance from fittings or valves.

Understanding head is crucial for determining the efficiency and suitability of a pump for a specific application. The pump must generate enough pressure to overcome this head, ensuring that water is distributed effectively and at the expected flow rates.

Water pressure, volume of water, and turnover rate of water do not capture this essential concept of head in a pumping system. While water pressure is related, it is not synonymous with head, as pressure can be influenced by various factors including fluid density and velocity. Volume and turnover rate pertain more to the amount of water being processed rather than the mechanics of how the pump operates against resistance in the system.