What type of system is used to address fluctuations in water demand in urban areas?

Storage tanks are crucial in managing fluctuations in water demand within urban areas. They serve as reservoirs that can store large volumes of water, which allows the water distribution system to supply consistent pressure and volume for everyday use, even during peak demand periods.

When demand spikes, such as during morning hours when many residents may be using water simultaneously, the tanks can release stored water to meet this increased demand. Conversely, during off-peak times, excess water can fill these tanks, ensuring that there is always a reserve available. This capacity to balance supply and demand is essential for maintaining reliable water service without straining the source or treatment facilities.

In contrast, a gravity-fed system primarily relies on the natural slope of the terrain to move water, which may not adequately address variability in water demand. A recycled water system focuses on repurposing wastewater for non-potable uses but does not directly manage fluctuating demand for potable water. The primary distribution system involves the main pipes and infrastructure that carry water to consumers, but it does not inherently provide a storage solution to buffer demand changes.