What are the two major requirements for sizing a service area adequately?

The two major requirements for sizing a service area adequately are pressure and flow rate. Proper service area sizing is essential for ensuring that a water distribution system can meet the demands of consumers efficiently and effectively.

Pressure is crucial because it determines how water moves through the distribution system and affects the ability to deliver water to different elevations and distances. Adequate pressure ensures that water can reach all end-users, especially those located at higher elevations or further away from the water source.

Flow rate is equally important as it measures the volume of water that can be supplied to a service area over time. If the flow rate is insufficient, it can lead to situations where consumers do not receive enough water during peak demand periods, which can affect everything from residential use to firefighting capabilities.

Together, pressure and flow rate ensure that a water distribution system can accommodate varying demands, maintain service reliability, and meet safety standards, making them fundamental criteria in sizing a service area.