Water supply and distribution system on-board an aircraft and method for operating such system

A method for operating an on-board water supply and distribution system of an aircraft for supplying water,

• the system comprising:
• a central water tank;
• a central pump that has an upstream side and a downstream side, wherein the central pump is configured for conveying and pressurizing water from the upstream side to the downstream side;
• consumer assemblies that each comprise:
• a supply device;
• and
• a buffer tank;
• wherein each consumer assembly is configured to supply water via the supply device;
• and
• a high-pressure conduit system;
• wherein the central water tank is connected to the upstream side;
• wherein the high-pressure conduit system connects the downstream side with the consumer assemblies;
• and
• wherein the high-pressure conduit system, when the central pump is operating, is configured for delivering water from the downstream side to the consumer assemblies;
• the method comprising:
• operating the central pump such that water in the high-pressure conduit system is pressurized to a predetermined first pressure;
• operating the consumer assemblies such that, in each of the consumer assemblies, a connection between the buffer tank of the consumer assembly and the high-pressure conduit system is in a closed position;
• monitoring pressure in the high-pressure conduit system for a predetermined first period of time;
• and
• providing a first failure signal when the pressure in the high-pressure conduit system drops below a predetermined second pressure within the first period of time.