A cross-connection between a potable water line and a nonpotable source may result in what risk?

A cross-connection between a potable water line and a nonpotable source may result in what risk?

• A. Increased water pressure
• B. Water becomes warmer
• C. The drinkable water supply may become contaminated
• D. Bacteria are killed

Answer: (C)

Cross-connections between a potable water line and a nonpotable source create a risk of backflow. If pressure in the clean water system drops or the nonpotable side is pushing water into the line, contaminants from the nonpotable source can be siphoned back into the drinkable supply. That means the drinkable water could become contaminated, which is the primary danger in this scenario. The other options don’t capture that contamination risk: cross-connections don’t inherently raise water pressure, don’t make water warmer in a meaningful way, and certainly don’t kill bacteria. Preventing backflow with proper backflow preventers and air gaps helps keep the drinking water safe.

Cross-connections between a potable water line and a nonpotable source create a risk of backflow. If pressure in the clean water system drops or the nonpotable side is pushing water into the line, contaminants from the nonpotable source can be siphoned back into the drinkable supply. That means the drinkable water could become contaminated, which is the primary danger in this scenario. The other options don’t capture that contamination risk: cross-connections don’t inherently raise water pressure, don’t make water warmer in a meaningful way, and certainly don’t kill bacteria. Preventing backflow with proper backflow preventers and air gaps helps keep the drinking water safe.