What is the largest diameter pipe in a water distribution system that carries the most water called?

The largest diameter pipe in a water distribution system that carries the most water is referred to as a primary feeder. Primary feeders are designed to transport large volumes of water over longer distances, making them essential for supplying water to the distribution network and ensuring adequate pressure and availability at various points within the system.

These pipes typically provide the bulk flow from water sources to distribution points and feed into secondary feeders and other components that ultimately lead to service pipes, which deliver water to individual consumers. The emphasis on size and capacity highlights the primary feeder's role in efficiently meeting the demand and maintaining system reliability.

In contrast, branch lines, secondary feeders, and service pipes serve different functions and are usually smaller in diameter, focusing on distributing water to specific neighborhoods or individual connections. This hierarchy of pipe sizes is critical in understanding how water is managed and delivered through a municipal or regional water system.