What term describes a connection between a potable water system and an unapproved water supply, where mixing can contaminate drinking water?

What term describes a connection between a potable water system and an unapproved water supply, where mixing can contaminate drinking water?

• A. Cross connection
• B. Backflow risk
• C. Contaminated supply
• D. Water supply breach

Answer: (A)

A cross connection is a physical link between a potable water system and an unapproved water supply that can allow contaminants to flow back into drinking water. This term fits because it identifies the actual linkage that creates a pathway for mixing, which can occur when pressure changes cause backflow. The key idea is that this connection, whether direct or potentially hidden, is the setup that enables contamination to enter the drinking water. Backflow can happen when there’s a drop in pressure in the potable system, pulling contaminated water backward through the link. To prevent this, facilities use backflow preventers or air gaps at points of connection, and routinely test and inspect to ensure protection is intact. The other options describe the risk or the consequence rather than the actual linkage: a backflow risk is the hazard, a contaminated supply is the outcome, and a water supply breach is not the specific term used for this situation.

A cross connection is a physical link between a potable water system and an unapproved water supply that can allow contaminants to flow back into drinking water. This term fits because it identifies the actual linkage that creates a pathway for mixing, which can occur when pressure changes cause backflow. The key idea is that this connection, whether direct or potentially hidden, is the setup that enables contamination to enter the drinking water.

Backflow can happen when there’s a drop in pressure in the potable system, pulling contaminated water backward through the link. To prevent this, facilities use backflow preventers or air gaps at points of connection, and routinely test and inspect to ensure protection is intact.

The other options describe the risk or the consequence rather than the actual linkage: a backflow risk is the hazard, a contaminated supply is the outcome, and a water supply breach is not the specific term used for this situation.