Describe the purpose of a distribution system audit.

The purpose of a distribution system audit is fundamentally centered around the evaluation of the system’s overall performance. This includes assessing efficiency, identifying leaks, and evaluating the quality of water being distributed. A comprehensive audit can highlight areas where water loss occurs, whether through system leaks or other inefficiencies, enabling water utilities to take corrective action. It also assesses the quality of water being provided to consumers, ensuring that it meets health and safety standards. Therefore, option B accurately encompasses the critical aspects of what a distribution system audit aims to achieve.

The other choices focus on narrower aspects that do not encapsulate the full purpose of an audit. For instance, while monitoring consumer satisfaction is important, it does not directly relate to the technical evaluation of the distribution system. Similarly, reducing personnel may be an outcome of improved efficiencies but is not a primary objective of an audit itself. Determining the aesthetic quality of water, while a consideration, does not cover the broader operational goals addressed in an audit. Hence, identifying leaks and evaluating the efficacy of the distribution system alongside water quality makes option B the most comprehensive and accurate answer.