At what pressure in psi must special precautions be taken in the event of distribution pressure issues?

When considering special precautions regarding distribution pressure issues in a water distribution system, a pressure threshold of 20 psi is significant. At this level, it is generally recognized that the pressure may be insufficient to maintain adequate water flow for health and safety. Below this pressure, the risk of backflow and contamination increases, and the ability to deliver adequate water supply can be compromised.

At pressures above this level, such as 25 psi and higher, the systems typically can maintain appropriate flow rates and pressure required for effective distribution and demand. Therefore, watersystems are usually designed with a minimum operational pressure minimum of around 20 psi. This ensures that should distribution pressure drop below this critical level, operators are alerted to implement necessary precautions, such as monitoring for leaks, ensuring pressure transients do not occur, and assessing for potential risk of contamination.

This understanding reinforces the importance of maintaining system integrity and protecting public health by ensuring that pressure remains above this critical threshold in water distribution systems.