Page 1 of 34
Wastewater Collections III Exam Review – Key
Topics, Sample Q&A & Best Practices Master
Wastewater Collections III | Study Material,
Exam Tips & Practice Problems
1. What is the primary purpose of a wastewater collection
system?
A. To treat and disinfect wastewater before discharge
B. To transport wastewater from its source to a treatment
facility
C. To generate hydroelectric power from wastewater flow
D. To store wastewater during periods of heavy rainfall
Answer: B
Rationale: The main function of a wastewater collection system is
to safely convey sewage and wastewater from homes,
,Page 2 of 34
businesses, and industrial facilities to a central treatment plant.
Systems are designed to handle varying flows while preventing
backups and environmental releases.
2. Infiltration refers to:
A. Intentional addition of chemicals to sewer lines
B. Rainwater entering the sewer system through roof drains
C. Groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks, joints,
or defects
D. Wastewater leaking out of sewer pipes into surrounding
soil
Answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration is the entry of groundwater into a sewer
system through structural defects such as cracks, broken pipes, or
faulty joints. It is a major concern because it increases hydraulic
loading and treatment costs.
,Page 3 of 34
3. Which pipe material is most commonly used in modern
gravity sewer systems due to its durability and corrosion
resistance?
A. Cast iron
B. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
C. Concrete
D. Clay
Answer: B
Rationale: PVC is widely used because it resists corrosion from
hydrogen sulfide, has a smooth interior for better flow, is
lightweight and easy to install, and offers good longevity in
underground applications.
4. What does the acronym FOG stand for in wastewater
collection, and why is it a concern?
A. Fast Organic Growth; it creates rapid pipe deterioration
, Page 4 of 34
B. Fat, Oil, and Grease; it solidifies in pipes causing
blockages
C. Filtered Organic Gas; it leads to toxic fumes in manholes
D. Fluid Output Gauge; it measures flow rates
Answer: B
Rationale: FOG (Fat, Oil, and Grease) from food preparation
and industrial processes solidifies as it cools, adhering to pipe
walls and causing obstructions, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs),
and increased maintenance costs.
5. Exfiltration in a sewer system is:
A. Rainwater entering through roof drains
B. Wastewater entering a manhole from a pressurized pipe
C. Wastewater leaking out of sewer pipes into the
surrounding environment
Wastewater Collections III Exam Review – Key
Topics, Sample Q&A & Best Practices Master
Wastewater Collections III | Study Material,
Exam Tips & Practice Problems
1. What is the primary purpose of a wastewater collection
system?
A. To treat and disinfect wastewater before discharge
B. To transport wastewater from its source to a treatment
facility
C. To generate hydroelectric power from wastewater flow
D. To store wastewater during periods of heavy rainfall
Answer: B
Rationale: The main function of a wastewater collection system is
to safely convey sewage and wastewater from homes,
,Page 2 of 34
businesses, and industrial facilities to a central treatment plant.
Systems are designed to handle varying flows while preventing
backups and environmental releases.
2. Infiltration refers to:
A. Intentional addition of chemicals to sewer lines
B. Rainwater entering the sewer system through roof drains
C. Groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks, joints,
or defects
D. Wastewater leaking out of sewer pipes into surrounding
soil
Answer: C
Rationale: Infiltration is the entry of groundwater into a sewer
system through structural defects such as cracks, broken pipes, or
faulty joints. It is a major concern because it increases hydraulic
loading and treatment costs.
,Page 3 of 34
3. Which pipe material is most commonly used in modern
gravity sewer systems due to its durability and corrosion
resistance?
A. Cast iron
B. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
C. Concrete
D. Clay
Answer: B
Rationale: PVC is widely used because it resists corrosion from
hydrogen sulfide, has a smooth interior for better flow, is
lightweight and easy to install, and offers good longevity in
underground applications.
4. What does the acronym FOG stand for in wastewater
collection, and why is it a concern?
A. Fast Organic Growth; it creates rapid pipe deterioration
, Page 4 of 34
B. Fat, Oil, and Grease; it solidifies in pipes causing
blockages
C. Filtered Organic Gas; it leads to toxic fumes in manholes
D. Fluid Output Gauge; it measures flow rates
Answer: B
Rationale: FOG (Fat, Oil, and Grease) from food preparation
and industrial processes solidifies as it cools, adhering to pipe
walls and causing obstructions, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs),
and increased maintenance costs.
5. Exfiltration in a sewer system is:
A. Rainwater entering through roof drains
B. Wastewater entering a manhole from a pressurized pipe
C. Wastewater leaking out of sewer pipes into the
surrounding environment
