True or False: Supply pressure fluctuations may cause the relief valve of an RPZ to open on occasion.

The statement that supply pressure fluctuations may cause the relief valve of a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly to open on occasion is true. This occurs because the RPZ assembly is designed to prevent backflow in potable water systems, and it relies on maintaining a certain pressure differential to function correctly.

When there are fluctuations in the supply pressure, it can lead to changes in the pressure within the RPZ assembly. If the pressure in the downstream system increases or if the pressure on the supply side drops dramatically, it can create a situation where the pressure drops below the required threshold relative to the discharge side. In such cases, the relief valve will activate to allow water to escape, preventing back pressure that could potentially lead to contamination of the potable water supply.

This characteristic of the RPZ assembly is critical for its operation and underscores the importance of ensuring stable supply pressures to minimize unnecessary valve openings. This prevents unnecessary water loss and maintains system integrity.

Understanding how the RPZ operates in response to pressure changes underscores key principles of backflow prevention and highlights the importance of regular system checks and maintenance to ensure continued performance under varying pressure conditions.