What might lead to contamination of pathogens after water treatment?

Cross connections in plumbing can lead to the contamination of pathogens after water treatment because they create an opportunity for contaminated water from non-potable sources to backflow into the clean water supply. This can happen in situations where there is a physical connection between the potable water lines and sources of contamination, such as irrigation systems or greywater pipes. If a drop in pressure occurs in the potable water system, it can create a reverse flow that allows pathogens from these contaminated systems to enter the treated water supply.

While faulty filtration systems and high water temperatures can impact overall water quality, they are not the primary concern related to pathogen contamination in this scenario. Regular maintenance checks are essential for ensuring the integrity and functionality of water treatment systems but do not directly relate to pathogen introduction post-treatment.