What type of activity intentionally disturbs sediment lying at the bottom of large water mains, causing transient contamination plumes?
Answer
System flushing, nearby construction, or firefighting activity
Large water mains can accumulate silt and fine sediment over time along their lower surfaces. Activities that significantly increase water velocity or drastically alter flow dynamics are capable of stirring this settled material into suspension. These activities include planned system flushing executed by the local water authority, physical disturbance from nearby construction projects impacting the mains, or very high-volume water withdrawal, such as that required for firefighting operations.
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