Massachusetts Water Distribution Grade 1
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary source of drinking water for most
Massachusetts communities?
A. Ocean water
B. Groundwater
C. Distilled water
D. Bottled water
B. Groundwater
Most Massachusetts communities rely on groundwater from wells
as the primary source of drinking water.
2. Which of the following is the main purpose of a water distribution
system?
A. Treat wastewater
B. Provide fire protection
C. Deliver potable water to consumers
D. Store stormwater
C. Deliver potable water to consumers
The water distribution system is designed to safely transport
treated water to homes and businesses.
3. What is the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) for
chlorine in drinking water?
A. 2 mg/L
, B. 4 mg/L
C. 6 mg/L
D. 8 mg/L
B. 4 mg/L
The EPA sets the MRDL for chlorine at 4 mg/L to ensure safe
disinfection without causing harmful effects.
4. What is the main purpose of flushing water mains?
A. Reduce water pressure
B. Remove sediment and maintain water quality
C. Test for leaks
D. Measure flow rates
B. Remove sediment and maintain water quality
Flushing removes accumulated sediment and improves water
quality within the distribution system.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of a water main break?
A. High water pressure
B. Brown or discolored water
C. Low water demand
D. Water conservation notices
B. Brown or discolored water
A water main break can stir up sediment, resulting in brown or
cloudy water.
6. What is the primary function of a water meter?
A. Detect leaks
B. Measure water usage
C. Filter water
D. Maintain pressure
, B. Measure water usage
Water meters record the amount of water consumed by customers
for billing purposes.
7. Which type of valve is commonly used to isolate a section of a
water main?
A. Butterfly valve
B. Pressure relief valve
C. Check valve
D. Needle valve
A. Butterfly valve
Butterfly valves are widely used for isolating sections of water
mains due to their quick operation.
8. Why is it important to maintain proper water pressure in a
distribution system?
A. Prevent pipe freezing
B. Ensure fire protection and adequate flow
C. Reduce sedimentation
D. Increase pumping costs
B. Ensure fire protection and adequate flow
Proper pressure is needed to deliver water to all customers and
support firefighting operations.
9. What is the purpose of a backflow preventer?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Stop reverse flow of contaminants into the distribution system
C. Filter sediment
D. Control water temperature
B. Stop reverse flow of contaminants into the distribution system
, Backflow preventers protect the public water supply from
contamination due to reverse flow.
10. Which of the following materials is commonly used for
modern water distribution pipes?
A. Lead
B. Asbestos-cement
C. PVC
D. Wood
C. PVC
PVC is widely used today due to its durability, corrosion resistance,
and ease of installation.
11. What is a common cause of water main breaks during
winter?
A. Freezing and thawing cycles
B. High water usage
C. Excess chlorine
D. Sediment accumulation
A. Freezing and thawing cycles
Water mains can crack or break due to ground movement caused
by freezing and thawing.
12. How often should fire hydrants be inspected and
maintained?
A. Annually
B. Every 5 years
C. Monthly
D. Only when damaged
A. Annually
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary source of drinking water for most
Massachusetts communities?
A. Ocean water
B. Groundwater
C. Distilled water
D. Bottled water
B. Groundwater
Most Massachusetts communities rely on groundwater from wells
as the primary source of drinking water.
2. Which of the following is the main purpose of a water distribution
system?
A. Treat wastewater
B. Provide fire protection
C. Deliver potable water to consumers
D. Store stormwater
C. Deliver potable water to consumers
The water distribution system is designed to safely transport
treated water to homes and businesses.
3. What is the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) for
chlorine in drinking water?
A. 2 mg/L
, B. 4 mg/L
C. 6 mg/L
D. 8 mg/L
B. 4 mg/L
The EPA sets the MRDL for chlorine at 4 mg/L to ensure safe
disinfection without causing harmful effects.
4. What is the main purpose of flushing water mains?
A. Reduce water pressure
B. Remove sediment and maintain water quality
C. Test for leaks
D. Measure flow rates
B. Remove sediment and maintain water quality
Flushing removes accumulated sediment and improves water
quality within the distribution system.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of a water main break?
A. High water pressure
B. Brown or discolored water
C. Low water demand
D. Water conservation notices
B. Brown or discolored water
A water main break can stir up sediment, resulting in brown or
cloudy water.
6. What is the primary function of a water meter?
A. Detect leaks
B. Measure water usage
C. Filter water
D. Maintain pressure
, B. Measure water usage
Water meters record the amount of water consumed by customers
for billing purposes.
7. Which type of valve is commonly used to isolate a section of a
water main?
A. Butterfly valve
B. Pressure relief valve
C. Check valve
D. Needle valve
A. Butterfly valve
Butterfly valves are widely used for isolating sections of water
mains due to their quick operation.
8. Why is it important to maintain proper water pressure in a
distribution system?
A. Prevent pipe freezing
B. Ensure fire protection and adequate flow
C. Reduce sedimentation
D. Increase pumping costs
B. Ensure fire protection and adequate flow
Proper pressure is needed to deliver water to all customers and
support firefighting operations.
9. What is the purpose of a backflow preventer?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Stop reverse flow of contaminants into the distribution system
C. Filter sediment
D. Control water temperature
B. Stop reverse flow of contaminants into the distribution system
, Backflow preventers protect the public water supply from
contamination due to reverse flow.
10. Which of the following materials is commonly used for
modern water distribution pipes?
A. Lead
B. Asbestos-cement
C. PVC
D. Wood
C. PVC
PVC is widely used today due to its durability, corrosion resistance,
and ease of installation.
11. What is a common cause of water main breaks during
winter?
A. Freezing and thawing cycles
B. High water usage
C. Excess chlorine
D. Sediment accumulation
A. Freezing and thawing cycles
Water mains can crack or break due to ground movement caused
by freezing and thawing.
12. How often should fire hydrants be inspected and
maintained?
A. Annually
B. Every 5 years
C. Monthly
D. Only when damaged
A. Annually
