Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Water distribution systems consist of an interconnected series of components. They include:

• pipes
• storage facilities
• components that convey drinking water

• cities
• homes
• schools
• hospitals
• businesses
• industries
• other facilities

• the treatment plant to the consumer; or
• the source to the consumer when treatment is absent.

Distribution systems span almost one million miles in the United States. They represent the vast majority of physical infrastructure for water supplies. Distribution system wear and tear can pose intermittent or persistent health risks.

Water quality and the distribution system

• Pipe sizes
• Materials
• Methods of construction
• Age within individual distribution systems and across the nation

• Breaches in pipes and storage facilities
• Intrusion due to water pressure fluctuation
• Main breaks

Documents about distribution system problems and recommendations on reducing risk

• Discussion about Potential Distribution System Problems
• Distribution System White Papers

• Surface Water Treatment Rules (disinfectant residual and sanitary survey requirements) 
• Stage 1 and 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules (DBPR) (monitoring for DBPs in the distribution system)
• Ground Water Rule (sanitary surveys)
• Revised Total Coliform Rule (monitoring for bacterial contamination in distribution systems)

Cross Connection Control Manual

This Cross-Connection Control Manual has been designed as a tool for:

• Health officials
• Waterworks personnel
• Plumbers
• Any others involved directly or indirectly in water supply and distribution systems

• Read the Cross-Connection Control Manual