What is a water main arranged in a complete circuit for supply from multiple directions called?

A water main that is arranged in a complete circuit for supply from multiple directions is referred to as a looped water main. This configuration enhances water distribution by providing redundancy and consistent water pressure, making it an essential design in municipal water systems. A looped main allows water to flow from more than one direction, which helps to ensure that if one section of the pipe is affected—such as during maintenance or repair—there is still an alternative route for water to reach the users.

Looped water mains are particularly important in fire protection scenarios, as they ensure that hydrants and buildings receive adequate water supply and pressure even if there are issues in specific areas of the network. This design minimizes the risk of low pressure during high-demand situations such as firefighting or peak water usage.

The other options represent different configurations or purposes of water mains; however, they do not describe a system that can supply water from multiple directions in a complete circuit. Branch mains typically serve to connect smaller distribution lines to larger mains, feeder mains are designed to supply a specific area from a larger main, and single direction mains limit the water flow to only one source, which does not offer the benefits associated with a looped setup.