What is the potential consequence of water stagnation in service lines?

Water stagnation in service lines can lead to reduced water quality and increased risk of contamination. When water remains stagnant in pipes for extended periods, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, pathogens, and algae. This stagnation allows time for chemical reactions that may leach harmful substances from the pipe materials into the water.

As a result, when water is drawn from a tap after a period of stagnation, it may carry these contaminants, posing health risks to consumers. Additionally, standing water can lead to undesirable tastes, odors, and discolored water, which further degrade its quality.

In contrast, other potential consequences mentioned, such as improved water quality, increased water pressure, or better nutrient levels, do not align with the reality of what occurs in the case of stagnation. Improved water quality would typically arise from regular flow and circulation, while increased pressure is generally associated with dynamic systems rather than stagnation. Nutrient levels would not improve as a result of stagnation; rather, they could decline due to the degradation of water quality.