TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

Which of the following is not typically part of a grid water system?

1. Dead end water mains

2. Main arteries

3. Looped systems

4. Side streets

The correct answer is: Dead end water mains

In the context of a grid water system, a dead-end water main is not typically part of the design due to the flow issues it presents. Grid water systems aim to enhance water distribution efficiency and reliability by creating interconnected water mains that provide multiple pathways for water flow. This interconnectivity helps to ensure that if one segment of the system has a disruption or maintenance requirement, water can still flow through alternative routes, thereby maintaining service and pressure. The design of a grid system generally emphasizes configurations like main arteries, which facilitate large volumes of water movement throughout the network, and looped systems, which are created to ensure redundancy and continuous supply. Side streets also participate in the grid by providing connections for residential and business water needs. Dead-end systems, on the other hand, can lead to stagnant water, potential contamination issues, and reduced water pressure during peak demands, which is why they are usually avoided in a grid water system. Instead, systems are designed with looped mains to mitigate these concerns, affirming the importance of interconnectedness in urban water distribution design.