What is a cross connection?

A cross connection refers to an actual or potential connection between a public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. This scenario is significant in the context of water quality and public health because it can lead to backflow, where contaminated water could flow back into the clean water supply, posing serious health risks.

Understanding what constitutes a cross connection is crucial for water operators, as they must implement measures to prevent such connections from occurring. These can include the installation of backflow prevention devices and regular inspections to ensure that the integrity of the water supply system is maintained. Each of the other options describes scenarios that, while potentially relevant to the operation of water systems, do not define a cross connection in a way that relates to contamination risks. Thus, recognizing the proper definition is essential for safeguarding public drinking water quality.