What it means
Pressure is the force that moves water through mains, services, hydrants, and customer plumbing. Too little pressure can interrupt service and increase contamination risk. Too much pressure can increase leaks, breaks, and stress on infrastructure.
What operators watch
- Pressure varies with elevation, demand, pump operation, and tank levels.
- Low-pressure complaints can indicate leaks, valve problems, pump issues, or high demand.
- Pressure zones help utilities serve areas with different elevations.
Common exam traps
- Forgetting that elevation changes affect pressure.
- Confusing static pressure with pressure under flow.
- Assuming every low-pressure complaint has the same cause.
Field example
If customers at high elevation lose pressure during peak demand, operators may check tank level, pump status, closed valves, and nearby main breaks.
