What must be done to protect potable water from contamination?

Implementing cross-connection control is essential for protecting potable water from contamination. Cross-connection control involves ensuring that there is no direct link between potable water and any source of contamination, such as non-potable water, chemicals, or sewage. This control method includes various practices and devices, such as air gaps and backflow prevention devices, that prevent backflow from contaminated sources into the clean water supply.

While backflow preventers are certainly an important aspect of cross-connection control, focusing solely on backflow prevention does not encompass all aspects of preventing contamination. Cross-connection control includes identifying potential cross-connections and implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate those risks.

Using only copper piping does not inherently protect potable water from contamination, as the material of the piping is not the primary factor in preventing cross-connections or controlling backflow. Additionally, doubling the water pressure may actually exacerbate the risk of backflow instead of mitigating it, because increased pressure can create conditions for backflow to occur if proper devices are not in place. Therefore, the most comprehensive answer to protecting potable water from contamination is through the implementation of cross-connection control practices.