Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

What is the risk when connecting a drinking water supply with a non-drinking water supply?

1. Cross-connection

2. Air gap

3. Backflow prevention

4. Water contamination

The correct answer is: Cross-connection

The risk associated with connecting a drinking water supply to a non-drinking water supply is primarily known as a cross-connection. A cross-connection typically occurs when a potable (drinking) water supply is linked to a non-potable source, creating the potential for contamination. This situation can lead to the introduction of harmful substances or microorganisms from the non-drinking water supply into the clean drinking water system, which poses serious health risks to consumers. Furthermore, cross-connections can facilitate backflow, which is the unintended reverse flow of water in the plumbing system. This is why effective backflow prevention measures, including devices and practices designed to protect the potable water supply from contamination, are critical in any water system design. In contrast, an air gap, while a valid method for preventing contamination, is a physical separation that prevents cross-connections from occurring and does not itself represent a risk. Water contamination is a potential consequence of a cross-connection but does not specifically define the risk associated with the connection itself.