What is the procedure for flushing a water distribution system?

Flushing a water distribution system is primarily aimed at systematically clearing the water lines to remove contaminants that may accumulate over time. This process is crucial for maintaining water quality, as it helps to eliminate sediments, biofilms, and other particulates that can affect the safety and aesthetic quality of the water supplied to consumers.

During flushing, water is typically moved at a high velocity through the pipes, which helps to dislodge and carry away any buildup that may cause issues such as discoloration, odor, or potential health risks. This procedure is often performed routinely or after significant infrastructure work to ensure that the water remains safe and clean.

The other options focus on different aspects of water system management but do not accurately define the purpose or method involved in flushing. For instance, chemical disinfection pertains more to the treatment of water with chemicals to eliminate pathogens rather than cleaning the pipes themselves. Measuring water flow usually assesses system performance or efficiency but does not involve the removal of contaminants from the system. Introducing new water sources relates to sourcing additional water supply, which is separate from the maintenance and cleaning activities involved in flushing.