Static head is defined as which of the following?

• A. The vertical distance water must be lifted from the source to the discharge point.
• B. The pressure loss due to flow through piping.
• C. The vertical height of the discharge outlet above the water source.
• D. The maximum discharge pressure observed.

Answer: (A)

Static head is the vertical lift needed to raise water from the source to the discharge point under static, no-flow conditions. This distance represents the gravitational potential energy the pump must overcome to place water at the discharge location. That’s why the description of the lift from the source to the discharge point fits best. Friction losses arise from flow through piping and aren’t part of static head, and the discharge outlet’s height above the source is a geometric detail, not the specific lift required under static conditions. Maximum discharge pressure is a different measure tied to operating conditions and isn't the static head.