When considering water storage requirements, which of the following is not considered a recommended practice?

The retention time for stored water being restricted to not over 8 hours is not recommended because water storage systems are designed to ensure a sufficient supply of safe drinking water while also accommodating fluctuations in demand and variations in water quality over time. Proper water storage practices usually allow for longer retention times, especially in municipal or larger-scale systems, to ensure that water can be treated and adequately distributed according to usage patterns and emergencies.

In practical terms, water may need to be stored for longer periods—often ranging from 24 hours to several days—depending on consumption rates and the specific needs of the community served. This longer retention also helps in ensuring that the quality of water is maintained through adequate treatment before it is distributed.

On the other hand, having sufficient water storage capacity, maintaining a level that can accommodate both daily usage and emergency needs such as fire protection, and utilizing elevated tanks to create pressure for distribution are all best practices. These practices help ensure that there is plenty of water available for regular and emergency use while also supporting the overall infrastructure of the water system. Thus, limiting retention time to only 8 hours does not meet the requirements typically necessary for effective water storage management.