What are cross-connections in the context of water supply systems?

What are cross-connections in the context of water supply systems?

• A. Connections between two water treatment plants
• B. Approved links to water reservoirs
• C. Unintended connections between potable and non-potable water
• D. Connections for maintenance workers

Answer: (C)

In the context of water supply systems, cross-connections refer specifically to unintended connections between potable (drinking) water and non-potable water sources. These cross-connections pose significant health risks as they can lead to contamination of the potable water supply. For example, if a pipe carrying non-potable water (such as irrigation water or wastewater) is connected inappropriately to a pipe carrying drinking water, contaminants can backflow into the clean water supply, potentially resulting in severe public health issues. Understanding this concept is critical for water operators, as maintaining proper cross-connection controls is essential for ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health. This is why monitoring and regulating cross-connections is a significant aspect of water system management.

In the context of water supply systems, cross-connections refer specifically to unintended connections between potable (drinking) water and non-potable water sources. These cross-connections pose significant health risks as they can lead to contamination of the potable water supply. For example, if a pipe carrying non-potable water (such as irrigation water or wastewater) is connected inappropriately to a pipe carrying drinking water, contaminants can backflow into the clean water supply, potentially resulting in severe public health issues.

Understanding this concept is critical for water operators, as maintaining proper cross-connection controls is essential for ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health. This is why monitoring and regulating cross-connections is a significant aspect of water system management.