What is the normal operating pressure in a water distribution system?

The normal operating pressure in a water distribution system is best represented by static pressure during normal demand. This is because static pressure refers to the pressure within the system when the water is not flowing, which is critical for understanding how much pressure is present under typical usage conditions.

During normal demand, the water distribution system is operating under standard conditions without peak usage, which allows for an accurate assessment of how the system performs under most circumstances. This static pressure ensures that there is enough pressure to deliver water effectively to consumers and fire protection services without significant drops that could affect performance.

While maximum demand pressures (whether static or dynamic) can indicate how the system behaves under heavy use, they do not reflect the everyday functioning of the system. Therefore, understanding static pressure during normal demand gives the best indication of operational integrity and usability in routine situations, making it a standard benchmark for assessing the efficiency and reliability of water distribution systems.