What does 'Isolation' refer to in water supply protection?

Isolation in water supply protection specifically refers to the measures taken to ensure that contaminated water does not enter the potable water system at individual points of use, such as fixtures, outlets, or appliances. This concept is critical in safeguarding drinking water from potential backflow situations where non-potable water could be drawn into the clean drinking water supply.

By implementing isolation measures, protective devices like backflow preventers or air gaps are installed at fixtures to effectively create a barrier against contamination. This is essential because even minor breaches at these points can lead to significant contamination risks for the entire water supply, making it paramount to focus on protection at each specific outlet.

The other options, while related to water protection, do not accurately define the concept of isolation. Monitoring of water quality and general protection from pollutants do not specifically pertain to the direct safeguarding measures applied at points of use. Protection at the service connection addresses a broader scope of the water supply system rather than the localized isolation required at each fixture, underscoring the importance of localized protective strategies in maintaining overall water safety.