What is the flow discharge at 9 am?

The flow discharge of 7.2 million gallons per day (mgd) at 9 am could be considered correct based on typical patterns observed in flow data over time. Understanding flow discharge involves analyzing data trends throughout the day, which often reflect variations due to factors such as peak usage hours, rainfall, industrial discharges, or the patterns of water consumption in a given area.

In this context, if historical data shows that flow rates often peak around morning hours when residential and commercial usage increases as people begin their daily routines, a higher discharge rate, such as 7.2 mgd, might reflect this common pattern. Additionally, it could also indicate that there are factors such as increased activities at local businesses or increased agricultural water use contributing to this elevated discharge.

This choice is consistent with a reasonable interpretation of daily flow patterns, particularly if preceding data during earlier hours demonstrate lower flow rates that build up towards this morning peak. The data would need to support this claim, showing that rising trends are common around the designated time, leading to a higher total flow discharge.