What is the impact of aging infrastructure on a water distribution system?

Aging infrastructure in a water distribution system significantly affects its performance and reliability. As pipes, valves, and other components deteriorate over time, they are more prone to leaks, breaks, and other failures. This not only requires more frequent repairs and replacements but also leads to increased maintenance costs as utilities need to address these issues.

Additionally, as the infrastructure ages, the risk of system failures rises, which can disrupt service and potentially compromise water quality. Utilities must allocate more resources to monitoring and maintaining these aging systems, making it essential to understand these impacts for effective water management. In contrast, options such as decreased maintenance costs or improved water quality do not accurately reflect the challenges posed by aging infrastructure. Reduced water pressure may be a consequence, but it is not as comprehensive in describing the overall implications as increased maintenance costs and risk of failures.