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Plumbing

Cross-Connection

In Plain English

Any point where clean drinking water pipes could become connected to contaminated water — a serious health hazard.

Definition

Any actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and any source of contamination, pollution, or non-potable water. Cross-connections are a serious public health hazard and must be protected against through air gaps or approved backflow prevention devices. Common examples include hose bibs submerged in buckets, boiler fill lines, and irrigation systems.

Example

The health inspector flagged a cross-connection risk where the chemical injection system was plumbed directly to the domestic water line without backflow protection.

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