What does "flushing" involve in water distribution maintenance?

Flushing in water distribution maintenance specifically refers to running water through pipes to remove sediment, biofilm, and other particulates that accumulate over time. This process is essential for improving overall water quality, as it helps ensure that the water delivered to consumers is clear and free from contaminants. By increasing the flow velocity during a flushing process, dislodged materials can be effectively removed from the system, which can enhance the microbial quality of the water and reduce the likelihood of taste and odor issues.

The other options, while related to maintenance tasks, do not accurately define the term "flushing." Cleaning water storage tanks is an important maintenance activity, but it is distinct from flushing the distribution network. Purging air from the system, known as air release, helps to eliminate air pockets that can affect water flow, but again, it is not the same as flushing. Finally, inspecting valves for leaks is a critical part of the maintenance process but pertains to system integrity rather than the flushing procedure designed specifically for improving water quality through flow dynamics.