How many times greater than the highest point along a test section should the test pressure be?

The correct answer is based on industry standards for pressure testing in water distribution systems. When performing pressure tests, the test pressure should be set to a level that ensures the integrity of the system while allowing for potential variances in elevation and potential pressure drops.

Setting the test pressure to 1.5 times greater than the highest point along the test section effectively allows for an adequate safety margin. This ensures that the pressure within the system can withstand the stresses that could occur during operational conditions, including variations in demand and environmental factors. By using this multiplier, it helps to avoid any failures due to the pressure being insufficient to maintain the desired flow and service during its operational life.

This approach not only promotes the reliability of the water distribution system but also aligns with the guidelines established by many regulatory bodies and industry best practices, which emphasize the importance of testing to higher pressures to safeguard against leaks, structural weaknesses, and other potential issues. Thus, a pressure that is 1.5 times greater than the highest point provides a robust framework for ensuring the long-term functionality of the water distribution system.