How is water pressure typically measured in a distribution system?

Water pressure in a distribution system is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) because this unit expresses the force exerted by the water against a unit area. Understanding pressure in psi is crucial for engineers and operators as it helps them determine how effectively water is being delivered through the distribution system, ensuring proper flow to consumers and maintaining the structural integrity of pipes and fittings under various flow conditions.

While flow rates, such as gallons per minute (gpm) or liters per second (l/s), are important for assessing the volume of water moving through the system, they do not provide information regarding pressure, which is essential for evaluating system performance and delivery efficiency. Similarly, meters of head (mH) is another way to express pressure, particularly in relation to the height of a water column, but psi is more commonly used, especially in the United States, making it the conventional standard in the context of water distribution systems.

By measuring pressure in psi, operators can make informed decisions regarding pump operation, valve adjustments, and the overall management of the water distribution network.