What is a potential risk when distributing water from aging infrastructure?

Distributing water from aging infrastructure poses several risks, with potential contamination and service disruptions being significant concerns. As infrastructure ages, the physical components such as pipes and joints may deteriorate, leading to cracks, leaks, and breaks. This deterioration can allow contaminants from the surrounding soil or environment to enter the water supply. Microbial growth, sediment, and chemicals can also leach into the water if the integrity of the pipes is compromised.

Additionally, aging infrastructure often results in unreliable service, which can lead to service disruptions. For example, if a pipe bursts, the system may be unable to provide optimal water pressure or may require immediate repairs that temporarily cut off water supply to consumers. Both contamination and disruptions jeopardize public health and utility service reliability, making these factors critical concerns in water distribution systems relying on old infrastructure.

In contrast, while increased operational costs, lower customer demand, and enhanced filtration requirements are concerns that could relate to aging infrastructure, they don't capture the immediate and critical risks associated with health and safety that come from contamination and the potential for service interruptions.