360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

What is required to maintain a safe air gap for potable water?

1. Minimum of ½ inch gap

2. Minimum of 1-inch gap

3. Minimum of 2-inch gap

4. No gap required

The correct answer is: Minimum of 1-inch gap

Maintaining a safe air gap for potable water is essential to prevent contamination from non-potable sources. An air gap is defined as a physical separation between the highest point of a liquid and the lowest point of the outlet of a pipe. The requirement of a minimum of 1-inch gap ensures that any backflow, which might occur due to fluctuations in water pressure, does not allow potentially contaminated water to enter the potable water supply. This standard reflects a key principle of water safety, emphasizing the need for a sufficient separation distance to effectively keep these two sources of water from interacting. A gap less than this minimum could allow contaminants to travel back into the clean water supply, posing health risks. Thus, adhering to the 1-inch air gap regulation is critical for maintaining safe drinking water standards.