Velocity of flow in water mains is typically expressed in what unit of measurement?

The velocity of flow in water mains is typically expressed in feet per second. This unit is preferred because it directly conveys the speed at which water travels within the pipeline, making it practical for engineers and water system operators to assess and manage flow rates effectively. Feet per second provides a clear and easily interpretable measurement of flow velocity, which is important for various calculations related to pressure, flow capacity, and hydraulic efficiency.

Other units mentioned, like miles per hour, while valid for vehicular speeds, are less common for fluid dynamics in water mains since they can lead to less precision in smaller-scale water systems. Gallons per minute and cubic feet per second are more focused on the volume of flow rather than velocity, thus they measure different aspects of water transport rather than the actual speed of the water flow itself.