What is the best way to prevent backflow?

Preventing backflow is crucial for maintaining safe drinking water and ensuring that contaminants do not enter the water supply. The most effective way to achieve this is by avoiding cross-connections. A cross-connection occurs when there is a link between a potable water source and a non-potable source, which can allow contaminants to flow back into the clean water supply when there is a change in pressure.

When cross-connections are established, the potential for backflow increases significantly, particularly during conditions like water main breaks or sudden drops in water pressure. By ensuring that no cross-connections exist, such as by using appropriate plumbing methods and installing backflow prevention devices, the risk of backflow can be effectively minimized.

The other options may not directly address the prevention of backflow. Increasing water pressure does not guarantee that contaminants will not enter the water supply. Similarly, while chemical sanitizers are important for sanitizing surfaces and equipment, they do not prevent the physical movement of contaminants through backflow. Installing additional drains can help manage water flow but does not necessarily prevent unintentional backflow from occurring.