What other factors require special precautions in water systems?

Low distribution pressure is a critical factor that requires special precautions in water systems due to its potential impacts on water supply and safety. When distribution pressure is low, there is an increased risk of backflow, which can allow contaminants to enter the potable water supply. This scenario requires careful monitoring and may necessitate additional measures to ensure that the distribution system is secure and that safe drinking water is maintained.

In systems where low pressure is experienced, the risk of cross-connections becoming a pathway for pollutants or contaminants heightens. Thus, water operators must implement strategies such as monitoring pressure zones actively, utilizing proper backflow prevention devices, and ensuring that adequate pressure levels are maintained throughout the system.

The other choices do not present the same level of urgency or require the same precautions. High distribution pressure, while it may lead to pipe or fixture damage, does not pose the same risk of introducing contaminants into the water supply as low pressure. Normal water quality indeed indicates that there are currently no issues that require special precautions, and routine sample checks, though important, are standard procedure and do not inherently suggest any additional safety measures are necessary.