What can lead to increased water loss in distribution systems?

Increased water loss in distribution systems is often a result of leaks that occur due to aging infrastructure. As pipes and other components age, they can develop cracks, holes, and other forms of deterioration, which allow water to escape from the system before it reaches the consumers. This not only contributes to a loss of valuable water resources but can also lead to further issues such as water quality degradation and increased operational costs for water utilities.

Regular maintenance of pipes and upgrading old infrastructure are practices aimed at reducing water loss by preventing leaks and improving system reliability. While higher than usual water demand can put a strain on the distribution system, it does not inherently cause leaks; rather, it may exacerbate existing issues if the system is already compromised. Therefore, identifying leaks from aging infrastructure is crucial for minimizing water loss in distribution systems.