WordLens

water main

1 of 1noun
/ˈwɔtər meɪn/
Forms:water mains
1

a large underground pipe that delivers potable water from a water treatment plant or other water source to individual buildings or communities

A water main is a large pipe that carries water from a central source, such as a water treatment plant, to smaller pipes that distribute it to homes, businesses, and other buildings. It is a key part of a city's or town's water supply system, ensuring that clean water is delivered reliably to the community. Water mains are typically buried underground and are made from strong materials to handle the pressure and volume of water flowing through them. They also connect to valves, hydrants, and service lines that direct water to different areas.

  • A leak in the water main caused water to spill onto the sidewalk.
  • The water main broke, causing a temporary water outage in the neighborhood.
  • The city is replacing old water mains to improve the water supply system.
  • The workers are digging up the street to repair the damaged water main.