Which type of water services would typically utilize an appropriate level of cathodic protection?

Cathodic protection is a method used to prevent corrosion on metallic surfaces that are immersed in or exposed to corrosive environments, particularly in water distribution systems. Pipelines, especially those made of steel or iron, are particularly susceptible to corrosion due to their underground placement and exposure to moisture and various soil chemicals.

The implementation of cathodic protection for pipelines is crucial because it helps prolong the lifespan of the infrastructure, ensuring that the water distribution system operates efficiently and safely. By applying a protective electrical current, it reduces the electrochemical reactions that lead to corrosion, hence maintaining the structural integrity of the pipelines.

The other options, while important components of a water distribution system, typically do not utilize cathodic protection to the same extent as pipelines. Pumping stations, treatment plants, and storage tanks may require different protective measures, but their construction and operational environments generally present different corrosion risks than those found with buried pipelines.