A cross-connection can allow contaminated water containing pesticides to do what?

• A. Enter the drinking water supply
• B. Improve water quality
• C. Only affect irrigation systems
• D. Not affect any supply

Answer: (A)

A cross-connection creates a direct link between the potable water system and a source of contamination. If pressure in the public water supply drops, backflow can pull pesticide-contaminated irrigation water into the drinking-water system. That means contaminated water could enter taps and other parts of the drinking supply, posing health risks. This is why cross-connections are dangerous and must be prevented with backflow devices or air gaps. It’s not about improving water quality and it isn’t limited to irrigation—the risk is contamination of the drinking water supply itself.