What is the purpose of a backflow risk assessment in cold water systems?

• A. To locate leaks in piping.
• B. To determine the required size of the main.
• C. Identify potential cross-connections and determine appropriate backflow protection measures to achieve code compliance.
• D. Assess water temperature.

Answer: (C)

Backflow risk assessment is all about protecting the potable water supply by spotting where a non-potable fluid could be drawn back into the system and then deciding what protection is needed. It looks at where cross-connections exist or could exist—such as irrigation lines, boiler chemical feeds, hose connections, or other devices that could create a backflow path under pressure changes. From that, it determines the appropriate backflow protection measures to install and where, so the system meets code requirements and keeps the water supply safe for users.

This isn’t about locating leaks, sizing the main, or measuring water temperature. Those are separate concerns—leaks relate to integrity, main size to supply capacity, and temperature to heating or mixing control. The key purpose here is preventing contamination through backflow and ensuring compliance with code protections.