CWEA Collections Grade 1 Practice Exam 2
Question and Answers with Rationales
Latest Version Top Rated A+
CWEA Collections Grade 1 Practice Exam 2
Questions 1–10
Question 1
A sanitary sewer overflows because tree roots have entered a vitrified clay pipe. What is the
BEST long-term corrective action?
A. Flush the line with water every month
B. Add chlorine to the sewer
C. Repair or replace the damaged pipe section and remove the roots
D. Increase wastewater flow
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Tree roots enter through cracks or faulty joints. Simply cutting roots provides only temporary
relief. Permanent repair requires replacing or rehabilitating the damaged section to prevent future
intrusion.
Question 2
When entering a manhole classified as a permit-required confined space, atmospheric testing
should be performed:
A. Only after entering
B. Before entry and continuously during occupancy
,C. Only when odors are present
D. Once each day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Confined-space regulations require testing before entry and continuous monitoring because
oxygen levels and toxic gases can change rapidly.
Question 3
Which gas is commonly produced by decomposing wastewater and smells like rotten eggs?
A. Oxygen
B. Hydrogen sulfide
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Nitrogen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is toxic, corrosive, and detectable by its rotten egg odor at low
concentrations. Higher concentrations can deaden the sense of smell, making monitoring
equipment essential.
Question 4
A sewer line has frequent grease blockages. Which maintenance practice is MOST effective?
A. Increase pipe diameter
B. Schedule regular high-pressure jet cleaning and implement grease control
C. Add chlorine tablets
D. Reduce wastewater velocity
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale:
Grease accumulations are best managed through regular jet cleaning combined with source
control, such as grease trap maintenance.
Question 5
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is ALWAYS appropriate when cleaning sanitary
sewer lines?
A. Shorts and sandals
B. Gloves, eye protection, boots, and high-visibility clothing
C. Safety glasses only
D. Hard hat only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Workers may encounter biological hazards, chemicals, and traffic. Proper PPE minimizes
exposure and injury.
Question 6
A collection system map is primarily used to:
A. Estimate chemical dosage
B. Locate sewer mains, manholes, valves, and lift stations
C. Measure wastewater pH
D. Determine wastewater temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Collection system maps assist operators in locating infrastructure for inspections, maintenance,
repairs, and emergency response.
, Question 7
Which equipment is commonly used to inspect the inside of a sewer pipe?
A. Pressure gauge
B. CCTV camera
C. pH meter
D. Flow meter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection identifies cracks, roots, grease, infiltration, offsets,
and structural defects without excavation.
Question 8
If a sewer backup occurs inside a customer's home, the FIRST action should be to:
A. Assign blame
B. Notify appropriate personnel and investigate the cause immediately
C. Ignore the complaint
D. Flush nearby hydrants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Customer backups require prompt investigation to minimize property damage, identify system
problems, and document findings.
Question 9
What is infiltration?
A. Stormwater entering through roof drains
Question and Answers with Rationales
Latest Version Top Rated A+
CWEA Collections Grade 1 Practice Exam 2
Questions 1–10
Question 1
A sanitary sewer overflows because tree roots have entered a vitrified clay pipe. What is the
BEST long-term corrective action?
A. Flush the line with water every month
B. Add chlorine to the sewer
C. Repair or replace the damaged pipe section and remove the roots
D. Increase wastewater flow
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Tree roots enter through cracks or faulty joints. Simply cutting roots provides only temporary
relief. Permanent repair requires replacing or rehabilitating the damaged section to prevent future
intrusion.
Question 2
When entering a manhole classified as a permit-required confined space, atmospheric testing
should be performed:
A. Only after entering
B. Before entry and continuously during occupancy
,C. Only when odors are present
D. Once each day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Confined-space regulations require testing before entry and continuous monitoring because
oxygen levels and toxic gases can change rapidly.
Question 3
Which gas is commonly produced by decomposing wastewater and smells like rotten eggs?
A. Oxygen
B. Hydrogen sulfide
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Nitrogen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is toxic, corrosive, and detectable by its rotten egg odor at low
concentrations. Higher concentrations can deaden the sense of smell, making monitoring
equipment essential.
Question 4
A sewer line has frequent grease blockages. Which maintenance practice is MOST effective?
A. Increase pipe diameter
B. Schedule regular high-pressure jet cleaning and implement grease control
C. Add chlorine tablets
D. Reduce wastewater velocity
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale:
Grease accumulations are best managed through regular jet cleaning combined with source
control, such as grease trap maintenance.
Question 5
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is ALWAYS appropriate when cleaning sanitary
sewer lines?
A. Shorts and sandals
B. Gloves, eye protection, boots, and high-visibility clothing
C. Safety glasses only
D. Hard hat only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Workers may encounter biological hazards, chemicals, and traffic. Proper PPE minimizes
exposure and injury.
Question 6
A collection system map is primarily used to:
A. Estimate chemical dosage
B. Locate sewer mains, manholes, valves, and lift stations
C. Measure wastewater pH
D. Determine wastewater temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Collection system maps assist operators in locating infrastructure for inspections, maintenance,
repairs, and emergency response.
, Question 7
Which equipment is commonly used to inspect the inside of a sewer pipe?
A. Pressure gauge
B. CCTV camera
C. pH meter
D. Flow meter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection identifies cracks, roots, grease, infiltration, offsets,
and structural defects without excavation.
Question 8
If a sewer backup occurs inside a customer's home, the FIRST action should be to:
A. Assign blame
B. Notify appropriate personnel and investigate the cause immediately
C. Ignore the complaint
D. Flush nearby hydrants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Customer backups require prompt investigation to minimize property damage, identify system
problems, and document findings.
Question 9
What is infiltration?
A. Stormwater entering through roof drains
