ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
Question 1. Which of the following best describes sanitary wastewater?
A) Water from rainfall runoff only
B) Water from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources
C) Only water from industrial processes
D) Untreated drinking water
Answer: B
Explanation: Sanitary wastewater consists of water from homes, businesses, and industries, not just
rainfall or untreated sources.
Question 2. What is the primary purpose of a wastewater collection system?
A) To produce drinking water
B) To transport wastewater to a treatment facility
C) To generate electricity
D) To filter stormwater only
Answer: B
Explanation: The main role of a collection system is to convey wastewater to a treatment plant for
processing.
Question 3. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a wastewater collection system?
A) Gravity main
B) Force main
C) Electrical substation
D) Manhole
Answer: C
Explanation: Electrical substations are not part of wastewater collection systems; gravity mains, force
mains, and manholes are.
Question 4. Which type of sewer system carries both stormwater and sanitary sewage in the same pipe?
A) Separate sanitary sewer
B) Combined sewer
C) Force main
D) Storm sewer
Answer: B
Explanation: Combined sewers carry both stormwater and sanitary sewage in a single pipe.
Question 5. What is the function of a manhole in a collection system?
A) To store wastewater
B) To allow access for inspection and maintenance
C) To pump sewage uphill
D) To treat wastewater
Answer: B
Explanation: Manholes provide access points for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the sewer
system.
Question 6. Which of the following is a typical solids content found in domestic wastewater?
A) 1-2%
B) 10-20%
, ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
C) 0.1-0.2%
D) 50-60%
Answer: C
Explanation: Domestic wastewater typically contains about 0.1-0.2% solids.
Question 7. What is a force main?
A) A pipe that uses gravity to move wastewater
B) A pressurized pipe carrying wastewater from a pump
C) A pipe carrying drinking water
D) An overflow pipe
Answer: B
Explanation: A force main is a pressurized pipe that moves wastewater under pressure, usually from a
pump station.
Question 8. What is the primary difference between a gravity main and a force main?
A) Gravity main is smaller
B) Gravity main relies on slope, force main is pressurized
C) Force main is made of plastic only
D) Force main is always underground
Answer: B
Explanation: Gravity mains use slope to move flow, while force mains require pumps and pressure.
Question 9. Which appurtenance is used to clean blockages from a sewer line?
A) Manhole
B) Cleanout
C) Wet well
D) Sluice gate
Answer: B
Explanation: Cleanouts are access points designed for cleaning out blockages in sewer lines.
Question 10. What is the main function of a lift station in a collection system?
A) To measure flow
B) To lift wastewater to a higher elevation
C) To treat solids
D) To store stormwater
Answer: B
Explanation: Lift stations pump wastewater from lower to higher elevations when gravity flow is not
possible.
Question 11. Which of the following is NOT a type of lift station?
A) Wet well/dry well
B) Submersible
C) Gravity flow
D) Package
Answer: C
Explanation: Gravity flow is not a type of lift station; it refers to the mode of transport.
, ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
Question 12. What is the role of a wet well in a lift station?
A) To filter solids
B) To collect and temporarily store incoming wastewater
C) To allow for chemical addition
D) To control odor
Answer: B
Explanation: The wet well collects and temporarily stores wastewater before it is pumped out.
Question 13. Which device is commonly used to inspect the inside of sewer pipes for defects?
A) Metal detector
B) CCTV camera
C) Water meter
D) Flow restrictor
Answer: B
Explanation: CCTV cameras are used for internal sewer inspections.
Question 14. What is smoke testing used for in a collection system?
A) To disinfect pipes
B) To locate leaks or improper connections
C) To measure flow rate
D) To find manholes
Answer: B
Explanation: Smoke testing helps identify leaks, cross-connections, or illegal hookups in the system.
Question 15. Which test is typically used to check the tightness of a newly installed sewer pipe?
A) Smoke test
B) Air test
C) Dye test
D) pH test
Answer: B
Explanation: Air testing is commonly used to check the integrity and tightness of new sewer pipes.
Question 16. What is the main purpose of sewer jetting?
A) To remove odor
B) To clean and clear blockages in sewer pipes using high-pressure water
C) To measure flow
D) To disinfect pipes
Answer: B
Explanation: Sewer jetting uses high-pressure water to remove debris and blockages from pipes.
Question 17. Which cleaning method involves using a flexible rod to clear obstructions?
A) Jetting
B) Rodding
C) Flushing
D) Vacuuming
Answer: B
Explanation: Rodding uses flexible rods to manually clear blockages.
, ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
Question 18. What is a primary cause of root intrusion in sewer lines?
A) High water velocity
B) Cracked or leaking pipes
C) Excessive rainfall
D) High temperature
Answer: B
Explanation: Roots enter sewer lines through cracks or leaks in the pipes.
Question 19. What is a common method to control sewer odors?
A) Increase flow velocity
B) Add chemicals such as chlorine or odor neutralizers
C) Decrease pipe diameter
D) Add more solids
Answer: B
Explanation: Chemicals or odor neutralizers are often added to control odors.
Question 20. What is inflow in the context of wastewater collection?
A) Groundwater entering through pipe joints
B) Surface water entering the sewer system through improper connections
C) Water added during treatment
D) Pipe corrosion
Answer: B
Explanation: Inflow refers to surface water entering the system through improper connections.
Question 21. What is infiltration in a sewer system?
A) Stormwater entering through manhole covers
B) Groundwater seeping into sewer pipes through cracks and joints
C) Air entering the system
D) Chemicals added for treatment
Answer: B
Explanation: Infiltration is groundwater entering the sewer through cracks or faulty joints.
Question 22. Which is a major impact of excessive inflow and infiltration (I&I)?
A) Reduced operational cost
B) Increased treatment plant loading and potential overflows
C) Improved odor control
D) Decreased maintenance needs
Answer: B
Explanation: Excessive I&I increases flow to treatment plants, potentially causing overflows and higher
costs.
Question 23. What is one way to reduce infiltration in a collection system?
A) Increase pipe diameter
B) Repair or replace leaking pipes and joints
C) Add chemicals
D) Increase flow
Question 1. Which of the following best describes sanitary wastewater?
A) Water from rainfall runoff only
B) Water from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources
C) Only water from industrial processes
D) Untreated drinking water
Answer: B
Explanation: Sanitary wastewater consists of water from homes, businesses, and industries, not just
rainfall or untreated sources.
Question 2. What is the primary purpose of a wastewater collection system?
A) To produce drinking water
B) To transport wastewater to a treatment facility
C) To generate electricity
D) To filter stormwater only
Answer: B
Explanation: The main role of a collection system is to convey wastewater to a treatment plant for
processing.
Question 3. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a wastewater collection system?
A) Gravity main
B) Force main
C) Electrical substation
D) Manhole
Answer: C
Explanation: Electrical substations are not part of wastewater collection systems; gravity mains, force
mains, and manholes are.
Question 4. Which type of sewer system carries both stormwater and sanitary sewage in the same pipe?
A) Separate sanitary sewer
B) Combined sewer
C) Force main
D) Storm sewer
Answer: B
Explanation: Combined sewers carry both stormwater and sanitary sewage in a single pipe.
Question 5. What is the function of a manhole in a collection system?
A) To store wastewater
B) To allow access for inspection and maintenance
C) To pump sewage uphill
D) To treat wastewater
Answer: B
Explanation: Manholes provide access points for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the sewer
system.
Question 6. Which of the following is a typical solids content found in domestic wastewater?
A) 1-2%
B) 10-20%
, ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
C) 0.1-0.2%
D) 50-60%
Answer: C
Explanation: Domestic wastewater typically contains about 0.1-0.2% solids.
Question 7. What is a force main?
A) A pipe that uses gravity to move wastewater
B) A pressurized pipe carrying wastewater from a pump
C) A pipe carrying drinking water
D) An overflow pipe
Answer: B
Explanation: A force main is a pressurized pipe that moves wastewater under pressure, usually from a
pump station.
Question 8. What is the primary difference between a gravity main and a force main?
A) Gravity main is smaller
B) Gravity main relies on slope, force main is pressurized
C) Force main is made of plastic only
D) Force main is always underground
Answer: B
Explanation: Gravity mains use slope to move flow, while force mains require pumps and pressure.
Question 9. Which appurtenance is used to clean blockages from a sewer line?
A) Manhole
B) Cleanout
C) Wet well
D) Sluice gate
Answer: B
Explanation: Cleanouts are access points designed for cleaning out blockages in sewer lines.
Question 10. What is the main function of a lift station in a collection system?
A) To measure flow
B) To lift wastewater to a higher elevation
C) To treat solids
D) To store stormwater
Answer: B
Explanation: Lift stations pump wastewater from lower to higher elevations when gravity flow is not
possible.
Question 11. Which of the following is NOT a type of lift station?
A) Wet well/dry well
B) Submersible
C) Gravity flow
D) Package
Answer: C
Explanation: Gravity flow is not a type of lift station; it refers to the mode of transport.
, ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
Question 12. What is the role of a wet well in a lift station?
A) To filter solids
B) To collect and temporarily store incoming wastewater
C) To allow for chemical addition
D) To control odor
Answer: B
Explanation: The wet well collects and temporarily stores wastewater before it is pumped out.
Question 13. Which device is commonly used to inspect the inside of sewer pipes for defects?
A) Metal detector
B) CCTV camera
C) Water meter
D) Flow restrictor
Answer: B
Explanation: CCTV cameras are used for internal sewer inspections.
Question 14. What is smoke testing used for in a collection system?
A) To disinfect pipes
B) To locate leaks or improper connections
C) To measure flow rate
D) To find manholes
Answer: B
Explanation: Smoke testing helps identify leaks, cross-connections, or illegal hookups in the system.
Question 15. Which test is typically used to check the tightness of a newly installed sewer pipe?
A) Smoke test
B) Air test
C) Dye test
D) pH test
Answer: B
Explanation: Air testing is commonly used to check the integrity and tightness of new sewer pipes.
Question 16. What is the main purpose of sewer jetting?
A) To remove odor
B) To clean and clear blockages in sewer pipes using high-pressure water
C) To measure flow
D) To disinfect pipes
Answer: B
Explanation: Sewer jetting uses high-pressure water to remove debris and blockages from pipes.
Question 17. Which cleaning method involves using a flexible rod to clear obstructions?
A) Jetting
B) Rodding
C) Flushing
D) Vacuuming
Answer: B
Explanation: Rodding uses flexible rods to manually clear blockages.
, ITCA Wastewater Collection Level 1 Exam
Question 18. What is a primary cause of root intrusion in sewer lines?
A) High water velocity
B) Cracked or leaking pipes
C) Excessive rainfall
D) High temperature
Answer: B
Explanation: Roots enter sewer lines through cracks or leaks in the pipes.
Question 19. What is a common method to control sewer odors?
A) Increase flow velocity
B) Add chemicals such as chlorine or odor neutralizers
C) Decrease pipe diameter
D) Add more solids
Answer: B
Explanation: Chemicals or odor neutralizers are often added to control odors.
Question 20. What is inflow in the context of wastewater collection?
A) Groundwater entering through pipe joints
B) Surface water entering the sewer system through improper connections
C) Water added during treatment
D) Pipe corrosion
Answer: B
Explanation: Inflow refers to surface water entering the system through improper connections.
Question 21. What is infiltration in a sewer system?
A) Stormwater entering through manhole covers
B) Groundwater seeping into sewer pipes through cracks and joints
C) Air entering the system
D) Chemicals added for treatment
Answer: B
Explanation: Infiltration is groundwater entering the sewer through cracks or faulty joints.
Question 22. Which is a major impact of excessive inflow and infiltration (I&I)?
A) Reduced operational cost
B) Increased treatment plant loading and potential overflows
C) Improved odor control
D) Decreased maintenance needs
Answer: B
Explanation: Excessive I&I increases flow to treatment plants, potentially causing overflows and higher
costs.
Question 23. What is one way to reduce infiltration in a collection system?
A) Increase pipe diameter
B) Repair or replace leaking pipes and joints
C) Add chemicals
D) Increase flow
