Backsiphonage may be prevented by all of the following methods EXCEPT?

Backsiphonage is a condition that can lead to contamination of potable water systems when negative pressure in the system creates a vacuum that pulls water back into the supply from sources of pollution. To prevent this, various methods can be used.

Hydrostatic loops, while they can alter the flow dynamics of water and provide some level of elevation that may counteract pressure changes, do not adequately prevent backsiphonage in the same way that vacuum breakers, air gaps, and back pressure units do. Vacuum breakers are designed specifically to prevent backsiphonage by allowing air to enter the system when a negative pressure occurs, effectively stopping the siphoning effect. Similarly, air gap separation is a physical separation that ensures that no potential contaminants can be drawn back into the water supply and is considered a robust method for preventing backsiphonage. Back pressure units help maintain pressure in the system to prevent contamination from upstream sources.

In contrast, while hydrostatic loops can be helpful in certain circumstances, they do not function as a direct preventive measure specifically targeting the phenomenon of backsiphonage. This distinction makes them less effective for this purpose compared to the other methods mentioned. Thus, this understanding clarifies why hydrostatic loops are not included among effective methods for preventing