What is the advantage of a grid design in a water main system?

The grid design in a water main system provides the significant advantage of routing water around any points of failure. This means that if a section of the water main experiences a break or other issue, the grid configuration allows water to be redirected through alternative pathways without disrupting service to the entire network. As a result, the overall reliability of the water supply increases, as multiple routes can provide redundancy. This routing capability is crucial for maintaining continuous water delivery to consumers, especially in emergencies or during maintenance operations.

While other designs may offer specific benefits, they typically lack the flexibility and resilience inherent in a grid system, thereby making it the preferred choice for water distribution in many urban and suburban settings.