What type of facilities are designed to balance demands on the water supply?

Storage facilities are specifically designed to balance demands on the water supply by temporarily holding water until it is needed for consumption or distribution. These facilities ensure that there is a consistent supply of water available, allowing water utilities to manage varying usage patterns throughout the day or year.

For example, during times of peak water demand, such as hot summer days, storage facilities can release additional water to meet that demand without jeopardizing the overall supply. Conversely, during lower usage times, they can be refilled, ensuring that the water supply remains reliable and stable.

In contrast, reservoirs primarily serve as sources of water rather than facilities for balancing demands since they store raw water before treatment. Purification systems focus on ensuring that the water meets safety and quality standards rather than on managing supply logistics. Distribution networks are responsible for delivering water to consumers but do not provide the balancing function that storage facilities do.