Which of the following describes a common issue caused by running a filter at too high a head loss?

Running a filter at too high a head loss can lead to air binding, which occurs when air is drawn into the system and can impede the flow of water through the filter. High head loss typically indicates that the filter media is becoming clogged or is operating under conditions that are not optimal, leading to potential vacuum conditions in the filter which can cause air pockets to form.

When these air pockets form, they can obstruct the water flow, resulting in decreased efficiency of the filtration process. The presence of air in the system can cause fluctuations in flow rates, and it may also require corrective measures such as backwashing to remove the air pockets and restore proper operation.

The other choices highlight important factors related to filter operation, but air binding is particularly significant because it directly impacts the performance of the filter during operation, specifically in terms of flow dynamics and effective filtration.