Direct connection of municipal water supply to the packing gland of a centrifugal wastewater pump would most likely be:

• A. Too much water
• B. Reduces power consumption
• C. Hazard to the safety of water supply
• D. It is necessary to dilute the wastewater

Answer: (C)

Directly tying the packing gland’s seal water to the municipal drinking water line creates a cross-connection between potable water and wastewater equipment. If the seal water becomes contaminated with wastewater or if pressure changes cause a backflow, contaminants can enter the drinking water supply. This poses a serious public health hazard and is generally prohibited by backflow prevention and cross-connection control rules. The other ideas—having too much water, reducing power consumption, or diluting wastewater—do not address the real risk of contaminating the potable water supply.