A Discussion on Pressure Standards and Its Effect on Water Distribution System Design and Operation

In design of water distribution systems, the design approach is to satisfy pressure at any point in the system within minimum and maximum acceptable level. Criteria on pressure standards are different around the world. It means that the pressure delivered to a customer might be accepted in some countries, while the same delivered pressure in other countries is considered unacceptable. Researchers agree that high pressure systems tend to cause more frequent pipe breaks and an increase in energy use and leakage. While low pressure systems cause consumer complaints, make the system more susceptible to down surge pressures during transients, and possibly to cause contaminant intrusion in some circumstances. This paper highlights the ambiguity exists on pressure standards and how it affects design and operation of water distribution systems. The relation between water demand and pressure, leakage, energy use, and system operation are discussed. The aim here is to motivate the cities and political jurisdictions to rethink about the pressure standards for water networks design to enhance the performance of water networks systems.