What is the potential risk of having a cross-connection in a water system?

The potential risk of having a cross-connection in a water system primarily involves the contamination of the potable water supply. A cross-connection occurs when there is a direct link between the clean drinking water supply and a source of contamination, such as wastewater, irrigation systems, or industrial processes. If a backflow event occurs—either due to a drop in pressure in the potable water line or a surge in pressure from the contaminated source—pollutants can be siphoned or pushed into the drinking water, posing significant health risks to consumers. This scenario emphasizes why maintaining proper separation between potable and non-potable systems is critical to safeguard public health.

In contrast to contamination, increased flow rate and exposure to excessive heat are not direct consequences of cross-connections. While reduced water quality could be a broader concern, it is the specific issue of contamination that encapsulates the most immediate health threat posed by cross-connections.