Define "service line" in a water distribution system.

In a water distribution system, the term "service line" refers specifically to the pipe that connects the main water supply—typically a municipal water main—to the individual user's property. This connection is crucial because it is the pathway through which potable water is delivered to residential and commercial users. The service line is responsible for getting the treated and pressurized water directly into the premises for use in faucets, showers, and other fixtures.

This distinction is significant as it highlights the service line's role in ensuring that safe and reliable drinking water is supplied to users. Understanding this concept helps to differentiate it from other types of lines or systems in water management, such as sewage pipes, drainage lines, or stormwater systems, which have different functions within the overall infrastructure.