AWWA (American Water Works
Association) Cross Connection Control
Specialist Exam Questions and Answers
Question 1
According to the UPC, what is required to prevent backflow in a system where a
potable water supply is connected to an irrigation system?
a) A pressure-reducing valve
b) A backflow prevention device
c) A check valve
d) A vacuum breaker
Correct Answer
b) A backflow prevention device
Question 2
What should be done before testing a backflow prevention device?
A) The device should be cleaned to remove debris.
B) The system should be flushed to ensure no chemicals are present.
C) The water supply should be turned off completely.
D) The device should be bypassed to ensure accurate results.
Correct Answer
A) The device should be cleaned to remove debris.
Question 3
How often should backflow prevention devices be inspected and tested in general?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 5 years
C) Annually
D) Every 6 months
Correct Answer
C) Annually
Page 1 of 133
,Question 4
What is the main difference between a double-check valve assembly (DCVA) and a
reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve assembly?
A) DCVAs are more effective at preventing backflow than RPZs.
B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and backpressure than
DCVAs
.C) DCVAs are used for high-hazard areas, while RPZs are used in low-hazard areas.
D) RPZs are only required for commercial installations, while DCVAs are for residential
use.
Correct Answer
B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and backpressure
than DCVAs
Question 5
What type of backflow prevention device is commonly used in residential sprinkler
systems?
A) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)B) Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) ValveC) Double
Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)D) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
Correct Answer
A) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) Explanation: For residential sprinkler systems
without chemical additives, an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) is often used to
prevent backsiphonage. It's simple and cost-effective.
Question 6
What is the maximum allowable height of an air gap between a water supply and a
non-potable system?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 4 inches
D) 12 inches
Correct Answer
C) 4 inches
Explanation: The maximum allowable height for an air gap is typically 4 inches for
most systems to prevent backflow effectively, although this can vary depending on
local regulations.
Page 2 of 133
,Question 7
Which of the following describes the correct installation of a backflow prevention
device?
A) The device should be installed with the flow direction indicated on the device
facing opposite to the flow of water in the system.
B) The device should be installed with the flow direction matching the flow of water in
the system.
C) The device should be installed at the lowest point in the system for easier access.
D) The device can be installed at any location as long as it is above ground
Correct Answer
B) The device should be installed with the flow direction matching the flow of water
in the system
Question 8
What is the purpose of a test cock on a backflow prevention device?
A) To drain excess water from the system
B) To allow testing of the device's functionality
C) To control the flow of water in the system
D) To provide a source of emergency water in case of a system failure
Correct Answer
B) To allow testing of the device's functionality
Question 9
When installing a backflow preventer, what is the most important consideration?
A) It must be installed at the highest point in the system.
B) It must be installed at the lowest point in the system.
C) It must be installed at the point of cross-connection to ensure effective backflow
prevention.
D) It must be installed far away from any pressure sources.
Correct Answer
C) It must be installed at the point of cross-connection to ensure effective backflow
prevention.
Page 3 of 133
, Question 10
Which type of backflow prevention device is required for an irrigation system that
uses chemical additives?
A) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
B) Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
C) Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve
D) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
Correct Answer
C) Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve
Question 11
Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the hazard level of a cross-
connection?
A) The potential health risk posed by the substance in the system.
B) The location of the cross-connection in the water distribution system.
C) The flow rate required for the system.
D) The ability of the backflow prevention device to withstand extreme temperatures.
Correct Answer
D) The ability of the backflow prevention device to withstand extreme temperatures.
Question 12
Which of the following is an example of a cross-connection?
a) A sprinkler system connected to a potable water supply
b) A faucet connected to a hose bib without a backflow preventer
c) A water meter installed on a mainline
d) A hot water heater installed properly
Correct Answer
b) A faucet connected to a hose bib without a backflow preventer
Page 4 of 133
Association) Cross Connection Control
Specialist Exam Questions and Answers
Question 1
According to the UPC, what is required to prevent backflow in a system where a
potable water supply is connected to an irrigation system?
a) A pressure-reducing valve
b) A backflow prevention device
c) A check valve
d) A vacuum breaker
Correct Answer
b) A backflow prevention device
Question 2
What should be done before testing a backflow prevention device?
A) The device should be cleaned to remove debris.
B) The system should be flushed to ensure no chemicals are present.
C) The water supply should be turned off completely.
D) The device should be bypassed to ensure accurate results.
Correct Answer
A) The device should be cleaned to remove debris.
Question 3
How often should backflow prevention devices be inspected and tested in general?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 5 years
C) Annually
D) Every 6 months
Correct Answer
C) Annually
Page 1 of 133
,Question 4
What is the main difference between a double-check valve assembly (DCVA) and a
reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve assembly?
A) DCVAs are more effective at preventing backflow than RPZs.
B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and backpressure than
DCVAs
.C) DCVAs are used for high-hazard areas, while RPZs are used in low-hazard areas.
D) RPZs are only required for commercial installations, while DCVAs are for residential
use.
Correct Answer
B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and backpressure
than DCVAs
Question 5
What type of backflow prevention device is commonly used in residential sprinkler
systems?
A) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)B) Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) ValveC) Double
Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)D) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
Correct Answer
A) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) Explanation: For residential sprinkler systems
without chemical additives, an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) is often used to
prevent backsiphonage. It's simple and cost-effective.
Question 6
What is the maximum allowable height of an air gap between a water supply and a
non-potable system?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 4 inches
D) 12 inches
Correct Answer
C) 4 inches
Explanation: The maximum allowable height for an air gap is typically 4 inches for
most systems to prevent backflow effectively, although this can vary depending on
local regulations.
Page 2 of 133
,Question 7
Which of the following describes the correct installation of a backflow prevention
device?
A) The device should be installed with the flow direction indicated on the device
facing opposite to the flow of water in the system.
B) The device should be installed with the flow direction matching the flow of water in
the system.
C) The device should be installed at the lowest point in the system for easier access.
D) The device can be installed at any location as long as it is above ground
Correct Answer
B) The device should be installed with the flow direction matching the flow of water
in the system
Question 8
What is the purpose of a test cock on a backflow prevention device?
A) To drain excess water from the system
B) To allow testing of the device's functionality
C) To control the flow of water in the system
D) To provide a source of emergency water in case of a system failure
Correct Answer
B) To allow testing of the device's functionality
Question 9
When installing a backflow preventer, what is the most important consideration?
A) It must be installed at the highest point in the system.
B) It must be installed at the lowest point in the system.
C) It must be installed at the point of cross-connection to ensure effective backflow
prevention.
D) It must be installed far away from any pressure sources.
Correct Answer
C) It must be installed at the point of cross-connection to ensure effective backflow
prevention.
Page 3 of 133
, Question 10
Which type of backflow prevention device is required for an irrigation system that
uses chemical additives?
A) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
B) Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
C) Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve
D) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
Correct Answer
C) Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve
Question 11
Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the hazard level of a cross-
connection?
A) The potential health risk posed by the substance in the system.
B) The location of the cross-connection in the water distribution system.
C) The flow rate required for the system.
D) The ability of the backflow prevention device to withstand extreme temperatures.
Correct Answer
D) The ability of the backflow prevention device to withstand extreme temperatures.
Question 12
Which of the following is an example of a cross-connection?
a) A sprinkler system connected to a potable water supply
b) A faucet connected to a hose bib without a backflow preventer
c) A water meter installed on a mainline
d) A hot water heater installed properly
Correct Answer
b) A faucet connected to a hose bib without a backflow preventer
Page 4 of 133
