Knowledge Base

Yes! Cross-connections can present a potential health hazard.  Cross-connections can result in the contamination of a drinking water system. 

Contaminated water can be forced back into a drinking water sytem in two ways:

• Back Pressure.  Occurs when the non-potable source pressure exceeds the potable water pressure.
• Back Siphonage.   Occurs when the supply line pressure falls below atmospheric pressure (14.7 PSI-pounds per square inch).

In each case, a reversal of flow can occur and contaminants can be introduced into the drinking water system.