What is the standard pressure exerted at one foot of water column?

The standard pressure exerted at one foot of water column is 0.43 psi. This value arises from the relationship between the height of a water column and the pressure it exerts due to gravity. Specifically, at sea level, the weight of water creates this pressure, calculated using the density of water and the gravitational acceleration.

The pressure exerted by a column of water can be described by the formula:

[ \text{Pressure (psi)} = \text{Height (ft)} \times 0.433 (psi/ft) ]

For one foot of water:

[ 1 \text{ ft} \times 0.433 , \text{psi/ft} = 0.43 , \text{psi} ]

This conversion factor stems from the fact that the weight of water is approximately 62.4 pounds per cubic foot, and when you divide that by the area (in square feet), it translates into psi. Understanding this relationship is particularly essential in backflow prevention and plumbing work, where measuring and managing pressure is crucial for system integrity and efficiency.