In which type of water main layout are complaints of poor water quality most likely to occur?

In a tree-type water main layout, the structure consists of a network where water flows along a single trunk and branches out to smaller lines, resembling a tree structure. This configuration can lead to complaints of poor water quality, primarily due to stagnation and reduced water turnover in the branches.

In tree systems, if certain branches are less frequently used or have lower demand, water can remain stagnant within those segments. This stagnation allows for the possible growth of bacteria and algae, which can deteriorate water quality. Additionally, in the event of a lower water demand, the water can sit for prolonged periods, leading to higher concentrations of disinfection byproducts and a lack of fresh water flowing through the system.

In contrast, looped and grid layouts promote better water circulation and improve water turnover rates. They are typically designed to minimize dead ends or stagnant areas, effectively reducing the likelihood of quality complaints. These attributes make the tree layout more susceptible to water quality issues compared to the other configurations.