Backflow Prevention Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of a cross-connection?

1. A permanent piping arrangement

2. A warning sign

3. A temporary hose bibb connection

4. A type of filtration system

The correct answer is: A permanent piping arrangement

A cross-connection is defined as a permanent piping arrangement that can connect a potable water supply to any source that could potentially contaminate it. Cross-connections can occur in plumbing systems through various means, including direct physical links or through indirect connections, and they pose a risk for backflow, which can lead to the contamination of safe drinking water. The permanence of this arrangement is significant because it establishes a continuous potential for harmful substances to enter the drinking water system if backflow occurs. Therefore, recognizing cross-connections and implementing proper backflow prevention measures is crucial for maintaining water safety and compliance with health regulations. Understanding the nature of cross-connections helps professionals prevent situations where contaminated water could enter the potable supply. Other choices do not accurately capture the nature of a cross-connection. A warning sign might indicate danger but it does not define the structure of a cross-connection itself. A temporary hose bibb connection is not a permanent arrangement and typically would not pose the same level of risk as a cross-connection. Similarly, a type of filtration system is unrelated to the concept of a cross-connection, which focuses on how two systems can inadvertently connect rather than on purification methods.