Engineering Information

Line Pressure & Pressure Regulators

Water pressure in most District mains ranges from around 40 psi to 100 psi. Pressures outside this range do occur, however. Variations are based on a number of factors, including line size and elevation. Line pressure will also fluctuate throughout the day as water usage varies. Summer pressures are generally lower than winter pressures, due to the added demand of lawn irrigation. In addition, average main line pressures in an area may, over time, increase or decrease through the normal course of development of the water distribution system.

The District recommends that all customers install an adequate pressure-regulating device in their home to protect their household plumbing from high pressure. The District also recommends that irrigation sprinkler systems be designed to operate off the regulated household system, so they will not be affected by existing or future variations in main line pressure. The customer’s private service line, from the meter pit to the house, should be capable of withstanding mainline pressures of up to 200 psi.

Meter pits installed prior to June, 1992 may have a pressure regulator in the pit. The District will remove the regulator if requested in writing by the tap owner. Contact the main office by phone or email for a standard form required to have the pressure regulator removed.