Cross-Connection is described as a potential contamination pathway between potable water and a contaminant source. Which statement best expresses this definition?

• A. A connection that could allow contaminants to enter potable water
• B. A type of backflow prevention device
• C. A route for distributing treated water only
• D. A planned interconnection with another utility

Answer: (A)

Cross-connection means any physical link between the potable water system and a source that could contaminate it, creating a pathway for backflow. The statement that best captures this is that a cross-connection is a connection that could allow contaminants to enter potable water. It emphasizes the potential risk: under certain pressure conditions, contaminants from a non-potable source can be drawn into the clean water supply.

It’s helpful to remember that the purpose of backflow prevention devices is to stop this kind of contamination, not to describe the cross-connection itself. The other options don’t fit because they describe a device, a distribution path for treated water, or a planned interconnection between utilities, none of which inherently define a cross-connection as the risk of contaminants entering potable water.