What is the purpose of a reduction pressure zone (RPZ) assembly?

The purpose of a reduction pressure zone (RPZ) assembly is to protect the potable water supply from backflow. This device is specifically designed to prevent contaminants in non-potable water systems from entering the clean drinking water supply due to the backflow that can occur when there are changes in pressure within the water system. An RPZ operates by maintaining a lower pressure in the potable water system than in the non-potable system, thus preventing any backflow that could introduce harmful substances into the clean water supply.

Ensuring the water supply remains safe for consumption is crucial in any plumbing system, and the RPZ assembly plays a vital role in this safety mechanism, particularly in installations that are at high risk of backflow occurrences. Other options, while they relate to various aspects of water systems, do not directly address the specific function of safeguarding the potable water supply from contamination, which is the essential role of the RPZ assembly.