Backflow Prevention Practice Exam

The significant risk associated with failing to maintain an air gap is backflow contamination. An air gap is a physical separation between the end of a potable water supply line and the flood level rim of a receptacle, ensuring that contaminants cannot enter the clean water supply. When an air gap is not adequately maintained, it creates the potential for backflow, which is the unintended reversal of water flow. This reversal can introduce pollutants and contaminants from non-potable sources back into the drinking water system, posing serious health risks to anyone consuming the water. The presence of backflow contamination can lead to widespread public health issues, as harmful substances can mix with potable water supplies.

In the context of the other options, while water pressure loss can occur due to various plumbing issues, it does not directly relate to air gap maintenance. Increased energy costs and decreased water quality can result from various factors in a water system but do not specifically connect to the presence or absence of an air gap like backflow contamination does.