WATER PRESSURE FACTS

The Mesa Water District delivery system is designed to provide the appropriate water pressure and disinfection to maintain water quality and flow under a variety of conditions.

About the Water Pressure in Your Home

Water pressure is the force behind the flow of water coming from your tap.

What determines that force is a combination of factors including: how much water is moving through your pipes, the elevation of your home and water source, the distance the water traveled to get to your tap, and how much water is being used at any given time in your neighborhood.

With so many dynamics at play — coupled with the unique circumstances of each home’s plumbing and fixtures — water pressure can vary from property to property, even from hour to hour.

What Causes Low Pressure?

These are the most common causes:

• Debris or mineral buildup in your home’s pipes, faucets and aerators
• Smaller plumbing pipes inside your home, which limit the volume of water traveling to the tap
• Plumbing leaks
• Living where water has to travel a long distance to get to your home
• Malfunctioning water softeners, water heaters or pressure regulator valves.
• High demand periods, which cause pressure losses in the system

What Causes High Pressure?

High pressure at your home can sometimes lead to water waste and may cause damage over time to pipes, appliances and fixtures from undue wear. This could be the result of:

• Living in a lower-lying area where the gravitational force of water flow is higher
• Living in an older home without a pressure regulator valve, where one might be needed

Pressure Regulator Valves

Pressure regulator valves have been a standard part of new home construction since the 2000s, and are now required by the Universal Plumbing Code when the water pressure to a new development exceeds 80 pounds per square inch (psi).

If you think you have a problem with your home’s water pressure, you may want to check with a licensed plumber to identify the cause and discuss solutions