AWWA – Cross-Connection Control Specialist
Exam 1 – Full Question Bank with Verified
Answers and Explanations
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
supplyExplanation: 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 backsiphonage?
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: Backsiphonage 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.
Exam 1 – Full Question Bank with Verified
Answers and Explanations
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
supplyExplanation: 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 backsiphonage?
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: Backsiphonage 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.
