What is the primary purpose of a distribution system's pressure management?

The primary purpose of a distribution system's pressure management is to control the pressure in the water distribution system to prevent pipe bursts and leaks. Managing pressure is crucial because excessive pressure can cause significant stress on pipes and fittings, leading to failures such as ruptures or leaks. By maintaining optimal pressure levels, a distribution system can enhance its longevity and reduce maintenance costs while ensuring that water reaches consumers at a safe and adequate level. Proper pressure management not only safeguards the physical infrastructure but also minimizes disruptions in service that can occur due to burst pipes.

While maximizing water delivery to treatment plants and ensuring equal distribution of water to consumers are important objectives in overall water management, they are not the direct aim of pressure management. Similarly, facilitating maintenance procedures is relevant to operational efficiency, but it is not the primary focus of pressure controls in the system.