What can lead to stagnation of water in a distribution system?

Stagnation of water in a distribution system often occurs in areas where there is insufficient flow to maintain movement through the pipes. Dead-end mains are sections of the distribution system that do not connect to other pipes and therefore do not provide a continuous flow path for water. When water is trapped in these dead-end sections, it can become stagnant since there is little to no movement, which can lead to deterioration in water quality.

In contrast, frequent pipe maintenance and regular flushing of lines are practices designed to enhance water movement and prevent stagnation. These activities ensure that water flows continuously through the system, which helps to keep it fresh and of higher quality. Varied flow rates can influence pressures in the system but do not directly cause stagnation as effectively as dead-end mains do. Thus, the presence of dead-end mains is a significant factor in causing stagnation within a water distribution system.