What is required of water must be in terms of pressure for safe delivery?

For safe delivery of water, it is essential that the pressure is at least adequate. Adequate pressure ensures that water can be delivered effectively and reliably to all consumers within the distribution system. This is crucial not only for meeting the demand for water but also for maintaining system integrity, preventing contamination, and ensuring proper flow rates.

Adequate pressure is defined as the minimum pressure necessary to provide sufficient water supply to individual households and businesses while also overcoming friction losses in the pipes and maintaining adequate service under peak demand conditions. Insufficient pressure could lead to a lack of water flow, which can compromise fire protection services, disrupt everyday usage, and potentially lead to backflow issues or contamination of the water supply.

While slightly above average or excess pressure has its benefits, it can also lead to problems such as increased wear and tear on plumbing infrastructure or even pipe bursts in extreme cases. Therefore, maintaining a standard of at least adequate pressure is essential for a safe and efficient water delivery system.