The presence of a cross-connection can lead to which of the following risks?

The presence of a cross-connection poses a significant risk of contamination to the drinking water supply. A cross-connection occurs when there is a direct link between a potable water source and a non-potable source, allowing harmful substances or pathogens from the non-potable side to flow back into the drinking water. This situation can lead to backflow, where contaminated water reverses its direction and mixes with clean water, putting public health at risk and potentially leading to waterborne illnesses.

In contrast, options that mention improved water flow or increased water pressure do not accurately represent the dangers associated with cross-connections. These conditions are unrelated to the contamination risks that cross-connections bring to the drinking water supply. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the critical health risks associated with cross-connections, emphasizing why they are a serious concern in food safety and public health.