What type of pressure must be maintained in water mains to prevent back-flow or back-siphonage?

Prepare for the Tempe Arizona Water Distribution Grade 3 and 4 Exam. Familiarize yourself with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

To prevent back-flow or back-siphonage in water distribution systems, a minimum pressure must be maintained in the water mains. This is crucial because back-flow can lead to contamination of the potable water supply by allowing unwanted materials to enter the system. When the pressure drops below a certain threshold, it can create a vacuum effect, pulling potentially unsafe water back into the system from adjacent areas, such as unpressurized tanks or contaminated sources.

Maintaining this minimum pressure ensures that the water flows in one direction—from the supply into the distribution system—thereby safeguarding the health and safety of the water supply. It is typically mandated by public health regulations and engineering best practices to establish this minimum pressure level, which also helps in maintaining adequate water service to consumers.

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