A distribution system needs to be well maintained to ensure the quality and safety of the water reaching the customer. The section on Watermains for Small Water Distribution Systems provides an overview of design, materials and placement of watermains for your system. The section on Distribution Systems & Their Maintenance discusses the operation and maintenance of the distribution system, sampling and monitoring, some common issues and hazards to be avoided, leak detection and water loss, water metering and the importance of a cross connection control program.