Why Should We Avoid Dead Ends?

This month the question concerns reasons for not allowing dead ends in the water distribution system main lines. They include stagnation, fire flow reduction, water quality deterioration, and corrosion. Dead ends can also affect water pressure, flushing operations, and water service during main repair and maintenance. The article states that in some systems, flushing dead ends must be done weekly, which can be an excessive use of water in drought areas or where water supply is at a premium. The article lists exceptions to the rule and explains why a looped system is more desirable. Further sources of information are listed.