What is the function of a pressurized vacuum breaker?

A pressurized vacuum breaker is designed specifically to prevent backflow in a water supply system, particularly in scenarios where there might be a loss of water pressure. When the water pressure drops, there is a risk of water flowing backward into the potable water supply, which can lead to contamination. The vacuum breaker operates by allowing air to enter the system, which interrupts the suction that would draw potentially contaminated water back into the clean water supply. This function is crucial in maintaining the integrity and safety of the water source, especially in applications that involve pesticides and other chemicals.

Other options, like cleaning pesticide application equipment, automatically dispensing pesticides, or measuring distance to groundwater, do not align with the primary purpose of a pressurized vacuum breaker, which is solely focused on preventing backflow.