What does "static pressure" refer to in water distribution?

Static pressure in water distribution refers to the pressure within the system when no water is flowing. This concept is essential for understanding how distribution systems maintain adequate pressure to deliver water effectively when needed. Static pressure is the measure of the potential energy per unit volume in the water and is influenced by factors such as elevation and the weight of the water column above.

When water is not moving, static pressure indicates the baseline pressure available in the system, which is critical for ensuring that when taps are opened or valves are engaged, there is sufficient pressure to deliver water efficiently. This measurement helps in evaluating the overall performance of the water distribution system and planning for adequate water supply under various demand scenarios.

The other choices relate to different pressure conditions: flowing pressure occurs when water is actively moving through the pipes, peak demand pressure reflects the maximum pressure needed during high demand periods, and reservoir pressure would refer to the pressure at a specific storage location. Understanding static pressure provides a crucial foundation for managing and optimizing a water distribution system's performance.