How do water columns generally compare to other pressure measuring methods?

Water columns are primarily utilized to measure very low pressures. This method relies on the height of a column of water to indicate the pressure being measured. In various applications, such as in manometers, the results can be easily understood through the height of the liquid column. This simplicity makes water columns particularly effective in measuring slight pressure differences or low pressures in a variety of settings.

Although other methods might be used for different pressure ranges or applications, water columns maintain their utility and accuracy in low-pressure scenarios. They are not primarily known for measuring high pressures or being the main method universally because that would typically require more robust tools designed for higher ranges, such as bourdon tubes or electronic pressure gauges. The suggestion that water columns are obsolete is inaccurate; they continue to be relevant, particularly in educational contexts and specific low-pressure applications. Thus, the choice that states they measure very low pressures accurately describes their primary function.