Water Distribution Exam with 100%
Correct Answers (New Update)
Why does the location of a buried pipe sometimes have to be determined? - Answer--
Leak
-A new connection is to be made
-If an excavation must be made in the area to locate
-Install other nearby facilities
How can buried nonmetallic pipes be located? - Answer-Some operators can locate
buried pipe with water flowing in the pipe by using two wire coat hangers. They
straighten out the 2 coat hangers and place a 90-degree bend in each hanger about 6
inch from the end. Holding the 6 inch pieces loosely in each hand and pointing the long
pieces in front of their body, they walk toward the suspected location of the buried pipe.
When they cross over the pipe, the coat hangers will rotate and align over the buried
pipe.
How can a leak in the wall of a pipe be repaired? - Answer-Repair clamps - these
devices are short, cylindrical pieces usually made of 1 piece of pipe or in 2 halves and
bolted together or otherwise fastened around a pipe, covering a break, or making a joint
between 2 pipes.
Pipe clamps can be used to repair pinholes, cracks, bruises, fractures, holes, and other
damage in any type of pipe.
What is hot tapping? - Answer-the connection is made with the main under water
pressure. A corporation stop is directly inserted into the main (ductile-iron and PVC
thick-wall pipe) using a tapping machine.
Why are pressure surveys of a water dist system conducted? - Answer-Pressure
surveys can indicate the hydraulic efficiency of the system in meeting normal
requirements. These surveys are performed by attaching a pressure gauge to a hose
nozzle or a hydrant or other available connection, opening the valve, and reading the
pressure in the main.
How can an operator obtain a pressure record covering a long period of time at one
location? - Answer-A recording pressure gauge is used to evaluate changing conditions.
The gauge is connected to some type of recorder such as a strip chart.
,How is the frequency of routine flushing determined? - Answer--Commonly practiced
after receiving water quality complaints
-When the water in the system appears to have been contaminated
-To clean newly installed or repaired mains before disinfection
Why should valves be closed slowly during a flushing operation? - Answer-Close the
valves slowly to prevent water hammers
List the information that should be recorded during a flushing operation. - Answer-
Record all pertinent data regarding the flushing operation as well as a description of the
appearance and odor of the water flushed. 2 samples from each flowing hydrant, one in
the beginning and the second when the discolored water turns clear.
Why has it become necessary to conserve and properly budget our water resources? -
Answer-The trouble is the nation's water resources are unevenly distributed,
contamination, and the depletion of vast underground basins of water have been
depleted in a matter of decades
How are water shortages and energy consumption linked together? - Answer-As
groundwater levels fall, more energy is required to pump water from deeper levels in the
basin. In several areas, vast water projects use large amount of electricity to pump
water many miles along the project. As energy becomes more expensive, the users of
the water will see the increased cost reflected in their water rates
Why do many sources of water need treatment? - Answer-In some areas, human
activities have made it difficult to locate a safe water supply of any sort.
Name three ways groundwater may become contaminated. - Answer-Seepage from
septic tank leaching systems and agricultural drainage systems, the improper disposal
of hazardous wastes in sanitary landfills and dumps, and the entry of surface runoff into
poorly constructed wells.
List the two major sources of water supplies. - Answer-Ocean water, Surface water
(rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs), Groundwater (wells, springs)
What is the water (hydrologic) cycle? - Answer-the process of evaporation of water into
the air and its return to earth by precipitation (rain or snow). This process also includes
transpiration from plants, groundwater movement, and runoff into rivers, streams, and
the ocean.
What are the general water quality characteristics of surface water supplies? - Answer-
generally characterized by low calcium and magnesium content (soft water), turbidity,
suspended solids, some color, and microbial contamination
, What items should be considered before selecting a location and constructing a water
supply intake located in a river or stream? - Answer-Upstream conditions are always a
concern. Some cities draw drinking water from a stream or river into which the treated
wastewater (sewage) from upstream cities has been discharged
How can provisions be made to allow recreation on water supply lakes and reservoirs
without endangering water quality? - Answer-Proper construction and location of
recreational facilities such as boat launching ramps, boat harbors, picnic and camping
areas, fishing, and open beach areas away from the intake area
What are the general water quality characteristics of groundwater supplies? - Answer-
Higher concentrations of dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and relatively high
hardness. Free of suspended solids and usually free of microbial contamination
What causes the flow of groundwater within an aquifer? - Answer-Topography,
groundwater is continually moving within aquifers even though the movement may be
slow
How can the sustained yield of an aquifer be exceeded? - Answer-If pumping continues
at a rate that exceeds the rate of replacement by the water-bearing formations, the
sustained yield of the well or group of wells will be exceeded
List some of the possible uses of reclaimed wastewater - Answer-Source of water for
non-food crop irrigation. Park areas, golf courses, landscapes, industrial reuse,
groundwater recharge, wetland/march enhancement
How much treatment should reclaimed water receive before use? - Answer-Should be
appropriate for the intended use. The greater the potential exposure to the public, the
more extensive the treatment needs to be.
Why have water quality standards been prepared and used by the waterworks industry?
- Answer-To provide the needed quality control and ensure the acceptability of the
product. Some standards have been set by law and must be complied with, while others
are merely guidelines.
Drinking water quality standards can generally be categorized as being related either to
_____ or to ______. - Answer-Primary or Secondary
Primary limit the concentrations of substances that are harmful to health
(organic/inorganic chems, microorganisms, disinfection byproducts, turbidity, and
radionuclides
MCL stands for what three words? - Answer-Maximum Contaminant Level
Water quality is the general term used to describe which characteristics of a water
supply? - Answer-Composite chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of a
water supply
Correct Answers (New Update)
Why does the location of a buried pipe sometimes have to be determined? - Answer--
Leak
-A new connection is to be made
-If an excavation must be made in the area to locate
-Install other nearby facilities
How can buried nonmetallic pipes be located? - Answer-Some operators can locate
buried pipe with water flowing in the pipe by using two wire coat hangers. They
straighten out the 2 coat hangers and place a 90-degree bend in each hanger about 6
inch from the end. Holding the 6 inch pieces loosely in each hand and pointing the long
pieces in front of their body, they walk toward the suspected location of the buried pipe.
When they cross over the pipe, the coat hangers will rotate and align over the buried
pipe.
How can a leak in the wall of a pipe be repaired? - Answer-Repair clamps - these
devices are short, cylindrical pieces usually made of 1 piece of pipe or in 2 halves and
bolted together or otherwise fastened around a pipe, covering a break, or making a joint
between 2 pipes.
Pipe clamps can be used to repair pinholes, cracks, bruises, fractures, holes, and other
damage in any type of pipe.
What is hot tapping? - Answer-the connection is made with the main under water
pressure. A corporation stop is directly inserted into the main (ductile-iron and PVC
thick-wall pipe) using a tapping machine.
Why are pressure surveys of a water dist system conducted? - Answer-Pressure
surveys can indicate the hydraulic efficiency of the system in meeting normal
requirements. These surveys are performed by attaching a pressure gauge to a hose
nozzle or a hydrant or other available connection, opening the valve, and reading the
pressure in the main.
How can an operator obtain a pressure record covering a long period of time at one
location? - Answer-A recording pressure gauge is used to evaluate changing conditions.
The gauge is connected to some type of recorder such as a strip chart.
,How is the frequency of routine flushing determined? - Answer--Commonly practiced
after receiving water quality complaints
-When the water in the system appears to have been contaminated
-To clean newly installed or repaired mains before disinfection
Why should valves be closed slowly during a flushing operation? - Answer-Close the
valves slowly to prevent water hammers
List the information that should be recorded during a flushing operation. - Answer-
Record all pertinent data regarding the flushing operation as well as a description of the
appearance and odor of the water flushed. 2 samples from each flowing hydrant, one in
the beginning and the second when the discolored water turns clear.
Why has it become necessary to conserve and properly budget our water resources? -
Answer-The trouble is the nation's water resources are unevenly distributed,
contamination, and the depletion of vast underground basins of water have been
depleted in a matter of decades
How are water shortages and energy consumption linked together? - Answer-As
groundwater levels fall, more energy is required to pump water from deeper levels in the
basin. In several areas, vast water projects use large amount of electricity to pump
water many miles along the project. As energy becomes more expensive, the users of
the water will see the increased cost reflected in their water rates
Why do many sources of water need treatment? - Answer-In some areas, human
activities have made it difficult to locate a safe water supply of any sort.
Name three ways groundwater may become contaminated. - Answer-Seepage from
septic tank leaching systems and agricultural drainage systems, the improper disposal
of hazardous wastes in sanitary landfills and dumps, and the entry of surface runoff into
poorly constructed wells.
List the two major sources of water supplies. - Answer-Ocean water, Surface water
(rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs), Groundwater (wells, springs)
What is the water (hydrologic) cycle? - Answer-the process of evaporation of water into
the air and its return to earth by precipitation (rain or snow). This process also includes
transpiration from plants, groundwater movement, and runoff into rivers, streams, and
the ocean.
What are the general water quality characteristics of surface water supplies? - Answer-
generally characterized by low calcium and magnesium content (soft water), turbidity,
suspended solids, some color, and microbial contamination
, What items should be considered before selecting a location and constructing a water
supply intake located in a river or stream? - Answer-Upstream conditions are always a
concern. Some cities draw drinking water from a stream or river into which the treated
wastewater (sewage) from upstream cities has been discharged
How can provisions be made to allow recreation on water supply lakes and reservoirs
without endangering water quality? - Answer-Proper construction and location of
recreational facilities such as boat launching ramps, boat harbors, picnic and camping
areas, fishing, and open beach areas away from the intake area
What are the general water quality characteristics of groundwater supplies? - Answer-
Higher concentrations of dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and relatively high
hardness. Free of suspended solids and usually free of microbial contamination
What causes the flow of groundwater within an aquifer? - Answer-Topography,
groundwater is continually moving within aquifers even though the movement may be
slow
How can the sustained yield of an aquifer be exceeded? - Answer-If pumping continues
at a rate that exceeds the rate of replacement by the water-bearing formations, the
sustained yield of the well or group of wells will be exceeded
List some of the possible uses of reclaimed wastewater - Answer-Source of water for
non-food crop irrigation. Park areas, golf courses, landscapes, industrial reuse,
groundwater recharge, wetland/march enhancement
How much treatment should reclaimed water receive before use? - Answer-Should be
appropriate for the intended use. The greater the potential exposure to the public, the
more extensive the treatment needs to be.
Why have water quality standards been prepared and used by the waterworks industry?
- Answer-To provide the needed quality control and ensure the acceptability of the
product. Some standards have been set by law and must be complied with, while others
are merely guidelines.
Drinking water quality standards can generally be categorized as being related either to
_____ or to ______. - Answer-Primary or Secondary
Primary limit the concentrations of substances that are harmful to health
(organic/inorganic chems, microorganisms, disinfection byproducts, turbidity, and
radionuclides
MCL stands for what three words? - Answer-Maximum Contaminant Level
Water quality is the general term used to describe which characteristics of a water
supply? - Answer-Composite chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of a
water supply
