What is the function of a reservoir in a water system?

The primary function of a reservoir in a water system is to store water. Reservoirs are typically designed to collect and hold large volumes of water, which can be crucial for various purposes such as drinking water supply, irrigation, or emergency response situations like firefighting. By storing water, reservoirs ensure a reliable supply during periods of high demand or drought. This capacity to hold water allows for better management of water resources, ensuring that there is sufficient water available when needed.

While reservoirs might play a role in delivering water to hydrants or maintaining pressure in the system indirectly, those are not their main functions. Similarly, filtration of water is typically handled by specialized facilities or processes rather than by reservoirs themselves. Therefore, the critical aspect of a reservoir is its role as a storage solution within a broader water distribution network.