How far above a sewer line must a potable water line be positioned?

A potable water line must be positioned at least 1 foot above a sewer line to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. This vertical separation is critical because if the sewer line were to leak or if there were any backflow issues, the sewage could contaminate the potable water supply. Maintaining a minimum distance helps prevent any potential cross-contamination and protects public health.

The choice of 1 foot is based on established regulations and best practices in plumbing and water safety standards. Other options suggest greater or lesser distances, which do not align with the minimum requirements necessary to adequately protect drinking water from possible contamination. Therefore, this distance serves as a crucial guideline to ensure safe and reliable drinking water distribution.