ALABAMA WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR
LEVEL I EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. What is the primary purpose of a water distribution system?
A. Provide sewage disposal
B. Supply safe and reliable drinking water
C. Monitor groundwater levels
D. Store stormwater
Answer: B
The system’s main goal is to deliver potable water safely and consistently.
2. Which component maintains system pressure?
A. Hydrants
B. Backflow preventers
C. Pumps
D. Service saddles
Answer: C
Pumps move water and keep pressure at required levels.
3. The standard minimum pressure in a distribution system under
normal conditions is:
A. 10 psi
B. 20 psi
C. 35 psi
D. 50 psi
Answer: B
20 psi is widely adopted as the minimum for safe operation.
4. What is the most common type of pipe used today for water
mains?
, A. Lead
B. PVC
C. Clay
D. Asphalt-lined
Answer: B
PVC is lightweight, affordable, and corrosion-resistant.
5. The purpose of a blow-off valve is to:
A. Add chemicals
B. Flush out sediment
C. Measure flow
D. Relieve air
Answer: B
Blow-offs allow flushing low-flow areas to remove deposits.
6. Water hammer is caused by:
A. Cold temperatures
B. Sudden valve closure
C. Algae growth
D. High chlorine
Answer: B
Quick valve closure creates a pressure surge known as water hammer.
7. Disinfectant residual in a distribution system is maintained to:
A. Reduce turbidity
B. Prevent pipe corrosion
C. Ensure microbial safety
D. Remove hardness
Answer: C
Residual chlorine protects water from microbial contamination.
8. A cross-connection is a link between:
A. Two meters
, B. Potable and non-potable systems
C. Pump stations and reservoirs
D. Storage tanks
Answer: B
Cross-connections create contamination risks.
9. Gate valves are primarily used to:
A. Regulate flow
B. Throttle flow
C. Provide isolation
D. Increase pressure
Answer: C
Gate valves isolate sections of pipe; not ideal for throttling.
10. A corporation stop is installed on a:
A. Hydrant
B. Main
C. Service line
D. Well casing
Answer: B
Corporation stops tap into the water main.
11. What document defines procedures for valve operation?
A. Standard operating procedure
B. Hydrant flushing plan
C. System map
D. Pressure log
Answer: A
An SOP guides consistent and safe valve activity.
12. Which meter type measures flow using a rotating disk?
A. Electromagnetic
B. Ultrasonic
C. Positive displacement
LEVEL I EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. What is the primary purpose of a water distribution system?
A. Provide sewage disposal
B. Supply safe and reliable drinking water
C. Monitor groundwater levels
D. Store stormwater
Answer: B
The system’s main goal is to deliver potable water safely and consistently.
2. Which component maintains system pressure?
A. Hydrants
B. Backflow preventers
C. Pumps
D. Service saddles
Answer: C
Pumps move water and keep pressure at required levels.
3. The standard minimum pressure in a distribution system under
normal conditions is:
A. 10 psi
B. 20 psi
C. 35 psi
D. 50 psi
Answer: B
20 psi is widely adopted as the minimum for safe operation.
4. What is the most common type of pipe used today for water
mains?
, A. Lead
B. PVC
C. Clay
D. Asphalt-lined
Answer: B
PVC is lightweight, affordable, and corrosion-resistant.
5. The purpose of a blow-off valve is to:
A. Add chemicals
B. Flush out sediment
C. Measure flow
D. Relieve air
Answer: B
Blow-offs allow flushing low-flow areas to remove deposits.
6. Water hammer is caused by:
A. Cold temperatures
B. Sudden valve closure
C. Algae growth
D. High chlorine
Answer: B
Quick valve closure creates a pressure surge known as water hammer.
7. Disinfectant residual in a distribution system is maintained to:
A. Reduce turbidity
B. Prevent pipe corrosion
C. Ensure microbial safety
D. Remove hardness
Answer: C
Residual chlorine protects water from microbial contamination.
8. A cross-connection is a link between:
A. Two meters
, B. Potable and non-potable systems
C. Pump stations and reservoirs
D. Storage tanks
Answer: B
Cross-connections create contamination risks.
9. Gate valves are primarily used to:
A. Regulate flow
B. Throttle flow
C. Provide isolation
D. Increase pressure
Answer: C
Gate valves isolate sections of pipe; not ideal for throttling.
10. A corporation stop is installed on a:
A. Hydrant
B. Main
C. Service line
D. Well casing
Answer: B
Corporation stops tap into the water main.
11. What document defines procedures for valve operation?
A. Standard operating procedure
B. Hydrant flushing plan
C. System map
D. Pressure log
Answer: A
An SOP guides consistent and safe valve activity.
12. Which meter type measures flow using a rotating disk?
A. Electromagnetic
B. Ultrasonic
C. Positive displacement
