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Water mains are primary pipelines that transport treated water to consumers through secondary feeders. Water is treated and purified before being pressurized for distribution. Infrastructure problems arise from poor maintenance, causing pipe failures and water problems in some cities.
A water main is a primary pipeline used to move water from a purification and treatment facility to consumers. Water mains are also known as primary feeders and connect smaller water lines known as secondary feeders that expand the reach of the water distribution network. Individual structures connect to secondary feeders to tap into the water supply. Pipelines are a critical aspect of a water distribution system, making it crucial to keep the network in good condition to avoid cutting off the supply of potable water.
Before it reaches the main, water must be acquired. The water can come from underground sources, reservoirs, diverted rivers, collected precipitation, and so on. Many communities use reservoirs as storage facilities for their water supplies to increase water security by ensuring water is widely available. The tank contains untreated water, as there is little point in treating water for storage, especially if the water may be exposed to runoff from untreated sources.
Water treatment and purification involves filtration to remove microorganisms, toxins, and sediment. The water can also be treated with chlorine to keep it free from microorganisms and in many communities it is fluoridated for the health of citizens. The water, once treated, can be diverted into a water network, which takes the form of a large underground pipeline.
In order for water to go down the water supply, it must be pressurized. Some water distribution systems use a gravity feed system to maintain a constant pressure in the pipeline, so that every time someone turns on a faucet, water is pushed out of pressure. In other cases, pumps for pressurization may be required. Pressurization can be a big problem with tall buildings, as the water may not get all the way to the upper floors, and sometimes these buildings have secondary pressurization systems that are used to maintain pressure.
A number of problems can arise with a water supply. If the pressure is too high, the hose may burst. Similarly, pipes can also fail when they are degraded, old or damaged. Pipelines can also be damaged or cut off accidentally by construction work, although they are usually deeply buried and protected to prevent this. When a water main fails, shutoffs are used to isolate the area of failure so workers can quickly replace the damaged section of pipe.
Some cities are experiencing infrastructure problems with their water pipes due to poor maintenance. In these regions, sections of old pipes have not been replaced due to cost concerns or lack of planning, and as a result, these pipes are failing and creating water problems.
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