AWWA Cross-Connection Control
Specialist Exam 1 – Full Question Bank
Verified Answers with Detailed
Explanations
Based on the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards,
Manual M14, and cross-connection control principles, here is a
comprehensive question bank for the AWWA Cross-Connection Control
Specialist Exam.
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL (Questions 1-20)
Question 1
What is a cross-connection?
A) A connection between two water distribution systems of the same
pressure
B) Any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system
and any source containing nonpotable water or other substances
C) A physical separation between potable and nonpotable water sources
D) A device used to prevent backflow in plumbing systems
Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-connection is defined as any temporary or permanent
connection between a public water system or consumer's potable water
,system and any source or system containing nonpotable water or other
substances. This definition includes both actual connections and potential
arrangements where contamination could occur.
Question 2
What is backflow?
A) The normal flow of water through a distribution system
B) The undesirable reversal of flow of nonpotable water or other
substances through a cross-connection into the piping of a public water
system
C) The testing procedure for backflow prevention assemblies
D) The installation of backflow prevention devices
Answer: B
Rationale: Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of nonpotable water
or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a
public water system or consumer's potable water system. This reversal can
introduce contaminants into the drinking water supply.
Question 3
What are the two types of backflow conditions?
A) Direct and indirect backflow
B) High pressure and low pressure backflow
C) Backpressure backflow and backsiphonage
D) Positive and negative backflow
Answer: C
Rationale: The two types of backflow are backpressure backflow and
backsiphonage. Backpressure occurs when downstream pressure exceeds
,supply pressure, while backsiphonage occurs when negative pressure
(vacuum) in the supply line draws water backward.
Question 4
What causes backpressure backflow?
A) A vacuum in the water supply main
B) Downstream pressure greater than upstream supply pressure
C) Water main break
D) Firefighting operations
Answer: B
Rationale: Backpressure backflow is caused by downstream pressure that
is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system.
This can result from pumps, temperature increases in boilers, elevated
tanks, or reductions in potable water supply pressure.
Question 5
What causes backsiphonage?
A) High downstream pressure
B) A vacuum or negative pressure in the public water system
C) A leaking check valve
D) Excessive water usage
Answer: B
Rationale: Backsiphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure
(vacuum or partial vacuum) in a public water system. The effect is similar
to drinking through a straw and can occur during water main breaks,
firefighting, or when demand exceeds supply.
, Question 6
What is an air gap?
A) A mechanical valve that prevents backflow
B) A vertical, physical separation between the end of a water supply outlet
and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel
C) A device that allows air into water lines
D) A type of backflow prevention assembly
Answer: B
Rationale: An air gap is a vertical, physical separation between the end of a
water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel. The
separation must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet
and never less than one inch. It is considered the maximum protection
available.
Question 7
What is the minimum required separation for an air gap?
A) At least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet and never less
than 1 inch
B) At least 2 inches regardless of pipe diameter
C) At least 6 inches regardless of pipe diameter
D) At least the diameter of the water supply outlet
Answer: A
Rationale: An air gap requires a vertical separation of at least twice the
diameter of the water supply outlet and never less than one inch. This
physical separation provides a barrier to backflow.
Specialist Exam 1 – Full Question Bank
Verified Answers with Detailed
Explanations
Based on the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards,
Manual M14, and cross-connection control principles, here is a
comprehensive question bank for the AWWA Cross-Connection Control
Specialist Exam.
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL (Questions 1-20)
Question 1
What is a cross-connection?
A) A connection between two water distribution systems of the same
pressure
B) Any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system
and any source containing nonpotable water or other substances
C) A physical separation between potable and nonpotable water sources
D) A device used to prevent backflow in plumbing systems
Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-connection is defined as any temporary or permanent
connection between a public water system or consumer's potable water
,system and any source or system containing nonpotable water or other
substances. This definition includes both actual connections and potential
arrangements where contamination could occur.
Question 2
What is backflow?
A) The normal flow of water through a distribution system
B) The undesirable reversal of flow of nonpotable water or other
substances through a cross-connection into the piping of a public water
system
C) The testing procedure for backflow prevention assemblies
D) The installation of backflow prevention devices
Answer: B
Rationale: Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of nonpotable water
or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a
public water system or consumer's potable water system. This reversal can
introduce contaminants into the drinking water supply.
Question 3
What are the two types of backflow conditions?
A) Direct and indirect backflow
B) High pressure and low pressure backflow
C) Backpressure backflow and backsiphonage
D) Positive and negative backflow
Answer: C
Rationale: The two types of backflow are backpressure backflow and
backsiphonage. Backpressure occurs when downstream pressure exceeds
,supply pressure, while backsiphonage occurs when negative pressure
(vacuum) in the supply line draws water backward.
Question 4
What causes backpressure backflow?
A) A vacuum in the water supply main
B) Downstream pressure greater than upstream supply pressure
C) Water main break
D) Firefighting operations
Answer: B
Rationale: Backpressure backflow is caused by downstream pressure that
is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system.
This can result from pumps, temperature increases in boilers, elevated
tanks, or reductions in potable water supply pressure.
Question 5
What causes backsiphonage?
A) High downstream pressure
B) A vacuum or negative pressure in the public water system
C) A leaking check valve
D) Excessive water usage
Answer: B
Rationale: Backsiphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure
(vacuum or partial vacuum) in a public water system. The effect is similar
to drinking through a straw and can occur during water main breaks,
firefighting, or when demand exceeds supply.
, Question 6
What is an air gap?
A) A mechanical valve that prevents backflow
B) A vertical, physical separation between the end of a water supply outlet
and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel
C) A device that allows air into water lines
D) A type of backflow prevention assembly
Answer: B
Rationale: An air gap is a vertical, physical separation between the end of a
water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel. The
separation must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet
and never less than one inch. It is considered the maximum protection
available.
Question 7
What is the minimum required separation for an air gap?
A) At least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet and never less
than 1 inch
B) At least 2 inches regardless of pipe diameter
C) At least 6 inches regardless of pipe diameter
D) At least the diameter of the water supply outlet
Answer: A
Rationale: An air gap requires a vertical separation of at least twice the
diameter of the water supply outlet and never less than one inch. This
physical separation provides a barrier to backflow.
