Which of the following is the most common cause of water loss in distribution systems?

Leaks and theft are the most common causes of water loss in distribution systems, primarily due to the physical nature of water infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining it. In many municipal water distribution systems, pipelines can become corroded or damaged, leading to leaks. These leaks can occur in various parts of the system, such as pipes, joints, or fittings, resulting in significant amounts of water being lost before it even reaches the consumer.

Moreover, theft, such as illegal connections or unauthorized use, can further exacerbate water loss. This often occurs in areas where monitoring and enforcement are less stringent, leading to unrecorded consumption of water that the utility does not account for in its revenue.

While evaporation, pumping inefficiencies, and regulatory compliance can contribute to water management challenges, they are generally less significant when compared to the impact of leaks and theft, which together represent a more substantial portion of water loss in distribution systems. Therefore, addressing these issues is crucial for improving water conservation and cost efficiency in water distribution.