What would most likely cause back-siphonage in a water main?

What would most likely cause back-siphonage in a water main?

• A. Hospital
• B. Chemical factory
• C. Broken water main
• D. Swimming pool at a single family home

Answer: (C)

Back-siphonage occurs when a negative pressure in the water distribution system allows water from a potential contaminant source to flow back into the potable water supply. One of the primary causes of back-siphonage is a break or rupture in a water main. When a water main is damaged, the typical pressure in the line can drop significantly. If the pressure is lower than that of connected private systems or sources, such as those found in homes or businesses adjacent to the main, water can be drawn back into the system from any sources that are connected. In the context of the other options, while hospitals, chemical factories, and swimming pools may present risks for contamination, they are less direct causes of back-siphonage compared to a broken water main. A hospital or chemical factory could introduce contaminants, but they would typically only be a concern if there is a backflow prevention failure. A swimming pool poses similar risks if not properly maintained, but again, it relies more on backflow prevention devices. The central issue with back-siphonage, however, fundamentally ties back to changes in pressure within the water distribution system, making a broken water main the most likely cause.

Back-siphonage occurs when a negative pressure in the water distribution system allows water from a potential contaminant source to flow back into the potable water supply. One of the primary causes of back-siphonage is a break or rupture in a water main. When a water main is damaged, the typical pressure in the line can drop significantly. If the pressure is lower than that of connected private systems or sources, such as those found in homes or businesses adjacent to the main, water can be drawn back into the system from any sources that are connected.

In the context of the other options, while hospitals, chemical factories, and swimming pools may present risks for contamination, they are less direct causes of back-siphonage compared to a broken water main. A hospital or chemical factory could introduce contaminants, but they would typically only be a concern if there is a backflow prevention failure. A swimming pool poses similar risks if not properly maintained, but again, it relies more on backflow prevention devices. The central issue with back-siphonage, however, fundamentally ties back to changes in pressure within the water distribution system, making a broken water main the most likely cause.