AWWA (American Water Works Association) Cross
Connection Control Specialist exam 1 Questions
with Verified Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control program?
A) To reduce water consumption
B) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply
C) To improve water pressure
D) To reduce water treatment costs
B) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply. Explanation: The main
goal of a cross-connection control program is to protect the public water system
from potential contamination due to backflow.
2. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent backflow at a
residential lawn irrigation system?
A) Installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
B) Installing a vacuum breaker
C) Installing a double-check valve
D) Installing a hose bib vacuum breaker
B) Installing a vacuum breaker
Explanation: For irrigation systems, a vacuum breaker is often used to prevent
backflow of contaminants into the water supply when there is a drop in pressure.
,3. What does a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve do?
A) It allows for the flow of water in one direction only.
B) It reduces the pressure of the water before it enters the system.
C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both backsiphonage and
backpressure conditions.
D) It maintains a constant flow rate.
C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both backsiphonage and
backpressure conditions.Explanation: An RPZ valve is one of the most reliable
devices for backflow prevention, as it provides protection under both
backsiphonage and backpressure situations.
4. Which of the following situations is an example of back siphonage?
A) A water main breaks and causes negative pressure in the system.
B) A booster pump causes a rise in system pressure.
C) A fire hydrant is used to fight a fire, and the pressure drops.
D) Both A and C.
D) Both A and C.
Explanation: Back siphonage occurs when there is negative pressure in the system,
which can pull contaminants into the potable water supply, such as when a water
main breaks or during the use of a fire hydrant.
, 5. What is the minimum testing frequency for backflow prevention devices in a
high-hazard area?
A) Every 3 years
B) Annually
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 6 months
B) Annually
6. What should be done if a backflow prevention device fails a test?
A) The device should be replaced immediately.
B) The device should be cleaned and re-tested.
C) The device should be repaired and re-tested.
D) The system should be shut down until the device passes a test.
C) The device should be repaired and re-tested.
7. 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 back siphonage and backpressure
than DCVAs
.C) DCVAs are used for high-hazard areas, while RPZs are used in low-hazard areas.
Connection Control Specialist exam 1 Questions
with Verified Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control program?
A) To reduce water consumption
B) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply
C) To improve water pressure
D) To reduce water treatment costs
B) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply. Explanation: The main
goal of a cross-connection control program is to protect the public water system
from potential contamination due to backflow.
2. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent backflow at a
residential lawn irrigation system?
A) Installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
B) Installing a vacuum breaker
C) Installing a double-check valve
D) Installing a hose bib vacuum breaker
B) Installing a vacuum breaker
Explanation: For irrigation systems, a vacuum breaker is often used to prevent
backflow of contaminants into the water supply when there is a drop in pressure.
,3. What does a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve do?
A) It allows for the flow of water in one direction only.
B) It reduces the pressure of the water before it enters the system.
C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both backsiphonage and
backpressure conditions.
D) It maintains a constant flow rate.
C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both backsiphonage and
backpressure conditions.Explanation: An RPZ valve is one of the most reliable
devices for backflow prevention, as it provides protection under both
backsiphonage and backpressure situations.
4. Which of the following situations is an example of back siphonage?
A) A water main breaks and causes negative pressure in the system.
B) A booster pump causes a rise in system pressure.
C) A fire hydrant is used to fight a fire, and the pressure drops.
D) Both A and C.
D) Both A and C.
Explanation: Back siphonage occurs when there is negative pressure in the system,
which can pull contaminants into the potable water supply, such as when a water
main breaks or during the use of a fire hydrant.
, 5. What is the minimum testing frequency for backflow prevention devices in a
high-hazard area?
A) Every 3 years
B) Annually
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 6 months
B) Annually
6. What should be done if a backflow prevention device fails a test?
A) The device should be replaced immediately.
B) The device should be cleaned and re-tested.
C) The device should be repaired and re-tested.
D) The system should be shut down until the device passes a test.
C) The device should be repaired and re-tested.
7. 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 back siphonage and backpressure
than DCVAs
.C) DCVAs are used for high-hazard areas, while RPZs are used in low-hazard areas.
