What can be a consequence of not maintaining accurate water usage records?

Not maintaining accurate water usage records can lead to the inability to track consumption patterns and identify issues. Accurate records are essential for monitoring how much water is being used, which helps in recognizing trends in consumption over time. This data is vital for making informed decisions regarding resource allocation, detecting leaks or inefficiencies, and understanding peak usage times. Without this information, it becomes challenging to identify problems within the water distribution system, such as unexpected spikes in usage indicating a leak or other operational issues.

In contrast, the other options do not directly stem from a lack of accurate usage records. Increased water pressure may be a result of system design or maintenance issues, not usage records. Decreased water quality is influenced by factors such as contamination or chemicals used in treatment, rather than consumption data. Lastly, expansion of the water distribution system is typically driven by population growth or increased demand rather than the maintenance of usage records. Thus, option B accurately highlights the critical consequence of neglecting water usage documentation.