AWWA Pump Station Operator Certification Exam Questions and Correct Answers Study Guide

AWWA PUMP STATION OPEARTOR CERTIFICATION
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS Q&A 2026 |INSTANT
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1. What is the primary function of a pump station in a water
distribution system?
A. To store treated water
B. To increase water pressure for distribution
C. To remove contaminants from water
D. To measure water flow
Rationale: Pump stations are designed to move water through
the system by adding energy (pressure/head).
Correct Answer: B. To increase water pressure for distribution


2. Which component is most essential for moving water in a
pump station?
A. Generator
B. Pump
C. Valve
D. Meter

,Rationale: The pump is the core mechanical device that imparts
energy to water.
Correct Answer: B. Pump


3. What is cavitation in a pump system?
A. Corrosion of pipe walls
B. Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a pump
C. Excessive pressure in discharge line
D. Electrical failure of motor
Rationale: Cavitation occurs when pressure drops below vapor
pressure, forming damaging bubbles.
Correct Answer: B. Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in
a pump


4. Which condition commonly causes pump cavitation?
A. High discharge pressure
B. Insufficient suction head
C. Excess lubrication
D. High motor voltage
Rationale: Low suction pressure leads to vapor bubble
formation.
Correct Answer: B. Insufficient suction head


5. What does NPSH stand for?

,A. Net Pumping System Height
B. Net Positive Suction Head
C. Normal Pressure Suction Handling
D. Net Pump Speed Head
Rationale: NPSH ensures sufficient pressure to avoid cavitation.
Correct Answer: B. Net Positive Suction Head


6. Which instrument measures flow rate in a pump station?
A. Pressure gauge
B. Flow meter
C. Tachometer
D. Thermometer
Rationale: Flow meters measure the volume or rate of water
movement.
Correct Answer: B. Flow meter


7. What is the purpose of a check valve in a pump system?
A. Increase flow rate
B. Prevent backflow
C. Measure pressure
D. Reduce friction
Rationale: Check valves allow one-way flow only.
Correct Answer: B. Prevent backflow

, 8. Which type of pump is most commonly used in water
distribution systems?
A. Gear pump
B. Centrifugal pump
C. Diaphragm pump
D. Screw pump
Rationale: Centrifugal pumps are efficient for large water
volumes.
Correct Answer: B. Centrifugal pump


9. What is pump priming?
A. Increasing pump speed
B. Filling pump casing with water before operation
C. Cleaning pump impeller
D. Lubricating bearings
Rationale: Priming removes air to allow proper suction.
Correct Answer: B. Filling pump casing with water before
operation


10. What happens if a pump runs dry?
A. Improved efficiency
B. Reduced vibration
C. Overheating and damage
D. Increased suction head