What is the best method to prevent back siphoning in a potable water system?

Installing air gaps is the best method to prevent back siphoning in a potable water system because it creates a physical separation between the water supply and potential contaminants. An air gap is a vertical distance, typically a few inches, that prevents any backflow or siphoning from potentially contaminated sources back into the clean water supply. This design is simple yet highly effective in ensuring that any back pressure or irregularities in water flow do not allow contaminants to enter the potable water system.

While backflow preventers can be effective tools in preventing backflow events, they generally require maintenance and proper installation to function correctly. Additionally, filters may cleanse water by removing particulates but do not prevent the actual back siphoning occurrence. Regularly checking water pressure is important for maintaining overall system functionality but does not directly address the risk of back siphoning. Therefore, the air gap approach is favored for its reliability and straightforward implementation.