Backflow Prevention Practice Exam

What type of discharge is prevented by maintaining air-gap separation?

1. Atmospheric discharge

2. Contaminated water discharge

3. Uncontrolled discharge

4. Suction discharge

The correct answer is: Contaminated water discharge

Maintaining air-gap separation is specifically designed to prevent the discharge of contaminated water into a potable water supply. An air gap functions as a physical barrier between the backflow of contaminated water and the clean water supply, which is essential for safeguarding drinking water quality. This separation ensures that even if there is a pressure drop in the system or back siphonage occurs, there will still be no possibility of contaminants flowing back into the clean water system. The other types of discharges, while potentially related to water safety concerns, are not prevented through air gaps. Atmospheric discharge does not pertain to achieving separation between contaminated and clean water sources, while uncontrolled discharge refers more to overflow scenarios rather than contamination issues. Suction discharge relates to the use of pumps and siphoning, rather than the prevention of water quality contamination directly. Thus, the primary focus of air-gap separation is to eliminate the risk of contaminated water discharging into clean water systems.