A hospital operating room requires a connection to the potable water supply. Due to the critical nature and potential for severe health hazards, what type of backflow preventer is most likely mandated by the plumbing code for this connection?

Question: A hospital operating room requires a connection to the potable water supply. Due to the critical nature and potential for severe health hazards, what type of backflow preventer is most likely mandated by the plumbing code for this connection?

Answer options:

• Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) ✅ Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPBA)
• Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

Correct answer: Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPBA)

Explanation: For connections to potable water systems where there is a potential for severe health hazards, such as in an operating room, a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPBA) is typically required by plumbing codes. RPBAs provide the highest level of protection against both backpressure and back-siphonage. DCVAs are for moderate hazards, PVBs and AVBs are for back-siphonage protection only, generally for minor to moderate hazards, and not suitable for severe health hazard applications.