Which of the following is not an acceptable backflow prevention device or method to protect a potable water supply from contamination?

Which of the following is not an acceptable backflow prevention device or method to protect a potable water supply from contamination?

• A. Reduced pressure principle
• B. Check valve
• C. Air gap
• D. Double check valve assembly

Answer: (B)

The check valve is not considered an acceptable backflow prevention device or method for protecting a potable water supply from contamination. While check valves are designed to prevent backflow in certain applications, they do not provide an adequate level of protection against backpressure or backsiphonage in the context of potable water systems. This means that under certain conditions, contaminants could still siphon into the potable water supply, which poses a significant health risk. In contrast, the reduced pressure principle, air gap, and double check valve assembly are recognized methods for preventing backflow and safeguarding water supplies. The reduced pressure principle provides a significant safeguard by maintaining a lower pressure in the potable water system than in the non-potable system. An air gap is an effective method of protecting against backflow as it creates a physical separation between the water supply and any potential contaminants. The double check valve assembly is designed to allow for some redundancy, making it a reliable system for preventing backflow during typical conditions. Overall, the check valve does not meet the stringent requirements set forth for backflow prevention in potable water systems, making it unsuitable for this purpose.

The check valve is not considered an acceptable backflow prevention device or method for protecting a potable water supply from contamination. While check valves are designed to prevent backflow in certain applications, they do not provide an adequate level of protection against backpressure or backsiphonage in the context of potable water systems. This means that under certain conditions, contaminants could still siphon into the potable water supply, which poses a significant health risk.

In contrast, the reduced pressure principle, air gap, and double check valve assembly are recognized methods for preventing backflow and safeguarding water supplies. The reduced pressure principle provides a significant safeguard by maintaining a lower pressure in the potable water system than in the non-potable system. An air gap is an effective method of protecting against backflow as it creates a physical separation between the water supply and any potential contaminants. The double check valve assembly is designed to allow for some redundancy, making it a reliable system for preventing backflow during typical conditions.

Overall, the check valve does not meet the stringent requirements set forth for backflow prevention in potable water systems, making it unsuitable for this purpose.