Knowledge Base

How Does Water Pressure Work?

Water is pumped to treatment facilities and then directed to elevated storage tanks at high points around the service territory. These tanks are designed to use gravity to generate water pressure. The higher the tank, the greater the pressure due to the weight of the water.

From these elevated tanks, pressurized water flows into the main water lines that supply our customers. In some areas, booster stations with pumps help maintain pressure throughout the system.

If pressure becomes too high, pressure-reducing stations are used to transfer high-pressure water into lower pressure zones, ensuring consistent and manageable pressure across the distribution area.

What can affect my water pressure?

1. How high up the water tower is from the elevation of the home - the greater the height difference, the higher the pressure

2. How many users are drawing water at the same moment - the more users drawing water, the lower the pressure, as the total flow leaving the tower is increased and the flow results in friction in the pipes and draws down the pressure everyone sees.

3. The diameter and length of the water line from the main service line under the street to the home - if the line is small diameter and longer length, the pressure at the house will be reduced.

4. Any obstruction in the line or clogged faucets. One thing to check would be aerators on faucets and shower heads as they can sometimes clog up after a while.

5. Upstairs faucets often experience lower water pressure than downstairs ones because the water needs to be pushed upward, working against gravity. This can reduce pressure slightly, especially in multi-story buildings where the distance from the main supply line or storage tank is greater.

6. A leak in your plumbing. At this point we suggest trying all of your inside faucets and outdoor spigots to ensure the pressure is low at all of them. If yes, contact our Utility Customer Service Team so we can send a field technician to investigate further.

7. Cycling of the elevated water storage tanks.

What Should My Water Pressure Be?

 The water pressure in your home can vary depending on several factors. Key influences include: 

• The elevation of your home compared to the height of the water tank. 

• The proximity of your home to the main water line. 

• The size of the main and service lines and the number of homes sharing the line.

Residential water pressure is generally between 35 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch) but can go up to 100 psi in some areas. If the psi exceeds that the City may require the developer to install a mainline PRV (pressure reducing valve). 

State Water Code determined by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires a minimum of 35 psi to ensure a reliable supply.

What can I do about pressure that is lower or higher than I would like?

If you have pressure lower than you would like, check to see if you have a PRV: Many properties do, and these can be adjusted up or down.

If you do not have a PRV and would like more pressure, reach out to a local plumber to evaluate the use of a personal booster system.

For pressure that may be higher than you like, look to see if you have a private PRV, and confirm it is working properly.

Georgetown Water recommends all customers install private pressure-reducing valves to help protect private property and to accommodate pressure fluctuations associated with a variety of factors, including grade changes, more irrigation in the summertime, and equipment failures.

The City does not offer subsidies or incentives for private PRVs or private booster pumps. The City's public PRVs are intended to protect public infrastructure.

The plumbing code applies to private property (on the customer side of the meter), not the Water Utility infrastructure, and has a recommended PSI range of 80 PSI or fewer. Most plumbing fixtures are designed for 60-80 PSI. Some homeowners who have installed a private PRV maintain a range of 60-70 PSI, but it depends on your personal preference for water pressure irrigation, shower pressure, etc.

Please contact the Utility Call Center at customercare@georgetowntexas.gov or by calling 512-930-3640 for additional information.