Exam

Question 1

What term is used when a water utility divides its total operating expenses into the total revenue?

a. ) Debt ratio
b. ) Operating ratio
c. ) Credit ratio
d. ) Coverage ratio

Answer 1

b.) Operating ratio

Question 2

Under the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, it is the duty of the water purveyor to deliver potable water of proper quality only as far as the:

Answer 2

Consumer’s tap inside the home

Question 3

According to the USEPA drinking water regulations, the owner or operator of a public water system which fails to comply with applicable monitoring requirements must give public notice within:

a. ) 45 days of the violation by posting a notice at the town hall
b. ) 1 year of the violation by including a letter with the water bill
c. ) 3 months of the violation in a daily newspaper in the area served by the system
d. ) 1 week of the violation in a letter hand delivered to customers

Answer 3

c.) 3 months of the violation in a daily newspaper in the area served by the system

Question 4

A mixture of air and gas is considered hazardous when the mixture exceeds what percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL)?

Answer 4

10%

Question 5

Which of the following duties should not be performed by a small system operator?

a. ) Disinfect water mains
b. ) Observe pump motors to detect unusual noises, vibrations, or excessive heat
c. ) Repair and overhaul chlorinators
d. ) Wire pump, compressors and electrical components of the water system

Answer 5

d.) Wire pump, compressors and electrical components of the water system

Question 6

Which form of hypochlorite is the most dangerous to handle?

a. ) Sodium
b. ) Fluoride
c. ) Calcium
d. ) Chlorine

Answer 6

Calcium

Question 7

What type of fire extinguisher should be used for fires with live electricity present?

a. ) Class A
b. ) Class B
c. ) Class C
d. ) Class D

Answer 7

c.) Class C

Question 8

To ensure that the water supplied by a public water system meets federal and state requirements, the water system operator must regularly collect samples and:

Answer 8

Send all analysis results to the State periodically

Question 9

How many coliform samples are required per month for a water system serving a population between 25 and 100?

a. ) 1
b. ) 2
c. ) 3
d. ) 4

Answer 9

1

Question 10

What test method best determines chemical feed/dosage rates?

a. ) Jar
b. ) Turbidity
c. ) Hammer
d. ) Hardness

Answer 10

Jar

Question 11

After a new water mains is installed and pressure tested it should be:

a. ) Flushed with clean water for 24 hours and put into service
b. ) Filled with a solution of 25ppm to 50ppm free chlorine for at least 24 hours prior to flushing
c. ) Filled with clean water and allowed to sit for 5 days at full pressure before turning the water into the system
d. ) Photographed so that mapping can be avoided until the system is complete

Answer 11

b.) Filled with a solution of 25ppm to 50ppm free chlorine for at least 24 hours prior to flushing

Question 12

What chlorine concentration should be produced when disinfecting a well or well pump?

a. ) 25 mg/L
b. ) 50 mg/L
c. ) 75 mg/L
d. ) 100 mg/L

Answer 12

b.) 50 mg/L

Question 13

When disinfecting a new or repaired main, what is the minimum chlorine residual at the extreme end of the main after standing for 24 hours?

a. ) 15 mg/L
b. ) 20 mg/L
c. ) 25 mg/L
d. ) 30 mg/L

Answer 13

c.) 25 mg/L

Question 14

Chlorine will destroy bacteria most rapidly at what pH?

a. ) 7.5
b. ) 8.5
c. ) 9.5
d. ) 10.5

Answer 14

7.5

Question 15

Which of the following pH ranges would deposit a thin film of calcium carbonate on the inside surface of a pipe?

a. ) 2.0-3.0
b. ) 4.0-5.0
c. ) 6.0-7.0
d. ) 8.0-9.0

Answer 15

d.) 8.0-9.0

Question 16

Where should sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach) be stored?

a. ) Away from flammable objects, as it is a fire hazard
b. ) Away from equipment that is susceptible to corrosion
c. ) In closed containers at room temperature for no longer than 6 months
d. ) Near the chemical feed pump day tank, to lessen operator handling risks

Answer 16

b.) Away from equipment that is susceptible to corrosion

Question 17

The space between the inner or protective casing and the outer casing or drill hole should be filled with cement grout to a minimum of how many feet?

a. ) 10 feet
b. ) 15 feet
c. ) 20 feet
d. ) 35 feet

Answer 17

10 feet

Question 18

Clearwells are used for:

a. ) Treated water
b. ) Pumps and supplies
c. ) High pH water
d. ) Untreated well water

Answer 18

a.) Treated water

Question 19

The four components of a fire hydrant are:

a. ) The inlet pipe connection from water supply, main valve, barrel, and the arm
b. ) The inlet pipe connection from water supply, main valve, barrel, and the head
c. ) The outlet pipe connection to water supply, main valve, barrel, and the head
d. ) the inlet pipe connection from water supply, the trigger, barrel, and the head

Answer 19

b.) The inlet pipe connection from water supply, main valve, barrel, and the head

Question 20

Electrical demand in a wiring system is determined by the amount of:

a. ) Ohms in the entire system
b. ) Voltage a system draws
c. ) Watts consumed
d. ) Water pressure in the system

Answer 20

c.) Watts consumed

Question 21

Chlorine may be added to water in a continuous, slug, and/or the ______ method to initially disinfect a pipeline?

a. ) Segmented
b. ) Tablet
c. ) Low dose
d. ) Air injection

Answer 21

Tablet

Question 22

Wear rings in a centrifugal pump are designed to:

a. ) Prevent excessive internal water circulation between the suction and discharge sides of the pump
b. ) Prevent wear of the impeller and inside case
c. ) Allow excessive internal wear circulation to occur between the suction and discharge
d. ) Both A & B

Answer 22

d.) Both A & B

Question 23

Chlorine gas is considered to be 100% pure, bleach is approximately 5 1/4% pure, while HTH dry powder chlorine is set at ___ % purity.

a. ) 20%
b. ) 45%
c. ) 65%
d. ) 80%

Answer 23

c.) 65%

Question 24

When chlorine gas is added to water the pH goes down due to:

a. ) Chlorine gas producing caustic substances
b. ) Two base materials that form
c. ) Two acids that form
d. ) Caustic soda being formed in the water

Answer 24

c.) Two acids that form

Question 25

The correct protective methods for backflow prevention devices in the order of decreasing effectiveness are: a. ) Air gap, VB, RPZ, and DCVA b. ) Air gap, VB, DCVA, and RPZ c. ) Air gap, RPZ, VB, and DCVA d. ) Air gap, RPZ, DCVA, and VB

Answer 25

d.) Air gap, RPZ, DCVA, and VB

Question 26

Which is the best and most reliable method for finding a very small chlorine leak? a. ) Use soap on possible areas of leak and watch for bubbles b. ) Use a strong ammonia solution on a cloth swab and place it by the suspected leak c. ) Use methane gas and watch for a dark brown smoke d. ) Use a chlorine gas detector and place it next to any area suspected of leaking

Answer 26

d.) Use a chlorine gas detector and place it next to any area suspected of leaking

Question 27

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL) solution is available with _____ available chlorine. a. ) 2 to 5% b. ) 5 to 20% c. ) 25 to 50% d. ) 50 to 70%

Answer 27

c.) 25 to 50%

Question 28

The volume of a sample for coliform compliance is: a. ) 100 mL b. ) 200 mL c. ) 300 mL d. ) 0; there is no compliance for coliforms

Answer 28

a.) 100 mL

Question 29

Which water quality parameter requires a grab sample? a. ) pH b. ) Iron c. ) Nitrate d. ) Zinc

Answer 29

pH

Question 30

When PVC pipe is stacked loose, it should not be stacked more than how high? a. ) 2.0 feet b. ) 3.0 feet c. ) 5.0 feet d. ) 7.5 feet

Answer 30

b.) 3.0 feet

Question 31

Which is the most common cause for pipe joint failure (leaking) in newly laid pipe? a. ) The use of a cracked gasket b. ) Not pushing the spigot end the full distance into the bell c. ) Not having the joint completely clean d. ) An incorrect trench bedding angle

Answer 31

c.) Not having the joint completely clean

Question 32

Compression fittings used with copper or plastic tubing seal by means of a: a. ) Beveled sleeve b. ) Compression ring c. ) Compressed beveled gasket d. ) Compressed o-rings located at either end of the fitting's beveled neck

Answer 32

c.) Compressed beveled gasket

Question 33

Thrust from a water surge almost always acts ______ to the inside surface that it pushes against. a. ) Vertically b. ) Horizontally c. ) Perpendicular d. ) Vertically and horizontally

Answer 33

c.) Perpendicular

Question 34

Which device serves the same function as the packing? a. ) Inline suction gland b. ) Packing gland c. ) Mechanical seal d. ) Lantern seal

Answer 34

c.) Mechanical seal

Question 35

Which is used to stop air leakage into the casing around the pump shaft? a. ) Packing gland b. ) Lantern ring c. ) Seals d. ) Shaft sleeves

Answer 35

c.) Seals

Question 36

Which is at the top the stuffing box? a. ) Packing gland b. ) Lantern ring c. ) Mechanical seal d. ) Seal cage

Answer 36

a.) Packing gland

Question 37

Which assembly holds the lantern ring and packing? a. ) Shaft assembly b. ) Casing ring assembly c. ) Packing gland box d. ) Stuffing box

Answer 37

d.) Stuffing box

Question 38

Water hammer can be described as: a. ) Particle waves b. ) Acoustic waves c. ) Rogue waves d. ) Longitudinal waves

Answer 38

b.) Acoustic waves

Question 39

When fully opened, which valve will have the highest head loss? a. ) Gate valve b. ) Plug valve c. ) Globe valve d. ) Ball valve

Answer 39

c.) Globe valve

Question 40

Which type of pressure sensor uses a wire fastened to a diaphragm? a. ) Bellows sensor b. ) Strain gauge c. ) Helical sensor d. ) Diaphragm element

Answer 40

b.) Strain gauge

Question 41

Why is it so important to monitor the speed of a variable speed pump? a. ) To prevent excessive temperatures from developing b. ) To prevent vibration from developing c. ) To prevent speed oscillation from occurring d. ) To prevent cavitation from occurring

Answer 41

d.) To prevent cavitation from occurring

Question 42

Which basic electrical unit is used to measure a material's opposition to the flow of electricity? a. ) Ampere b. ) Ohm c. ) Volts d. ) Resistance or impedance

Answer 42

b.) Ohm

Question 43

How often should the temperature of centrifugal pump motor bearings be checked with a thermometer? a. ) Every day b. ) Once a week c. ) Twice a month d. ) Once a month

Answer 43

d.) Once a month

Question 44

Which device changes alternating current to direct current by allowing the electric current to flow in one direction but blocking flow in the opposite direction? a. ) Regulator b. ) Converter c. ) Inverter d. ) Rectifier

Answer 44

d.) Rectifier

Question 45

To ease the installation of impeller wear rings, they can be: a. ) Lubricated with a light oil b. ) Greased with lithium c. ) Heated d. ) Cooled

Answer 45

c.) Heated

Question 46

A positive fecal coliform test must be reported to the primary agency within: a. ) 8 hours b. ) 12 hours c. ) 24 hours d. ) 48 hours

Answer 46

c.) 24 hours

Question 47

Which is the approximate angle of repose for average soils when using the sloping method for the prevention of cave-ins? (Note: horizontal to vertical distance, respectively) a. ) 0.5:1.0 b. ) 1.0:1.0 c. ) 1.5:1.0 d. ) 2.0:1.0

Answer 47

b.) 1.0:1.0

Question 48

A system that fails to collect water samples in their distribution system would fall under which public notification requirement? a. ) Tier I b. ) Tier II c. ) Tier III d. ) Tier IV

Answer 48

a.) Tier I

Question 49

Iron can cause "red water" and thus customer complaints when its concentration is above its secondary maximum contaminant level of: a. ) 0.01 mg/L b. ) 0.05 mg/L c. ) 0.10 mg/L d. ) 0.30 mg/L

Answer 49

d.) 0.30 mg/L

Question 50

Which of the following is a type of joint for ductile iron piping? a. ) Welded joint b. ) Restrained joint c. ) Expansion joint d. ) Rubber gasket joint

Answer 50

b.) Restrained joint

Question 51

Which of the following is a type of joint for ductile iron piping? a. ) Welded joint b. ) Bell and spigot joint c. ) Expansion joint d. ) Flanged joint

Answer 51

d.) Flanged joint

Question 52

Minor head losses are caused by: a. ) Slime growths and corrosion or scaling b. ) Corrosion and tuberculation c. ) The type of material and "C" factor d. ) Sudden changes in direction or velocity of flow

Answer 52

d.) Sudden changes in direction or velocity of flow

Question 53

Which is pipe strength expressed in? a. ) Hydrostatic potential b. ) Psi and durability c. ) Tensile and flexural strength d. ) Baud units

Answer 53

c.) Tensile and flexural strength

Question 54

The resistance of a material to longitudinal pulling forces before it breaks is called: a. ) Flexural strength b. ) Shear strength c. ) Ductile strength d. ) Tensile strength

Answer 54

d.) Tensile strength

Question 55

Most water systems use hydrants with two nozzles with diameters of ______ and one nozzle with a diameter of ______. a. ) 2.0 inches; 3.0 inches b. ) 2.0 inches; 4.0 inches c. ) 2.5 inches; 3.5 inches d. ) 2.5 inches; 4.5 inches

Answer 55

d.) 2.5 inches; 4.5 inches

Question 56

Which is a closed fire line? a. ) Broken fire hydrant or pipeline that feeds a fire hydrant b. ) Unmetered connection for a fire protection system c. ) Closed valve to a fire hydrant d. ) Closed valve to a fire sprinkler system

Answer 56

b.) Unmetered connection for a fire protection system

Question 57

Which of the following is a type of joint for steel piping? a. ) Flexible ball joint b. ) Restrained joint c. ) Expansion joint d. ) Push-on joint

Answer 57

c.) Expansion joint

Question 58

Which of the following is a type of joint for steel piping? a. ) Flexible ball joint b. ) Rubber gasket joint c. ) Restrained joint d. ) Galvanized steel ring

Answer 58

c.) Restrained joint

Question 59

Which needs to be determined first when designing a pump station? a. ) Discharge requirements b. ) Head requirements c. ) Power requirements d. ) Capacity requirements

Answer 59

b.) Head requirements

Question 60

What is the height to which siphoned water can be lifted at sea level? a. ) 22.4 feet b. ) 32.0 feet c. ) 33.9 feet d. ) 34.0 feet

Answer 60

c.) 33.9 feet

Question 61

How many times higher than the normal operating pressure should the pressure rating of the distribution system piping be? a. ) 1.0 to 2.0 times b. ) 2.5 to 4.0 times c. ) 4.0 to 5.0 times d. ) 5.0 to 7.0 times

Answer 61

b.) 2.5 to 4.0 times

Question 62

Which of the following types of pipe comes in diameters as large as 168 inches (14 feet)? a. ) Cast-iron pipe b. ) Reinforced concrete c. ) Ductile iron d. ) Prestressed concrete

Answer 62

b.) Reinforced concrete

Question 63

Which type of pipe has the highest normal maximum working pressure? a. ) Reinforced concrete b. ) Ductile iron c. ) Polyvinyl chloride d. ) High-density polyethylene

Answer 63

b.) Ductile iron

Question 64

Which type of pipe has the lowest normal maximum working pressure? a. ) Reinforced concrete b. ) Ductile iron c. ) Polyvinyl chloride d. ) High-density polyethylene

Answer 64

c.) Polyvinyl chloride

Question 65

Which type of pipe requires special external protection in high-chloride soils? a. ) Reinforced concrete b. ) Ductile iron c. ) Steel d. ) High-density polyethylene

Answer 65

a.) Reinforced concrete

Question 66

Which is the proper detention time for disinfecting a water storage tank that is filled with already chlorinated water such that the free chlorine residual is 10 mg/L after the proper detention time is completed? a. ) 4 hours b. ) 6 hours c. ) 8 hours d. ) 24 hours

Answer 66

b.) 6 hours

Question 67

Which is the proper detention time for disinfecting a water storage tank with water that is mixed with hypochlorite already in the tank such that the free chlorine is 10 mg/L after proper detention time is complete? a. ) 4 hours b. ) 6 hours c. ) 12 hours d. ) 24 hours

Answer 67

d.) 24 hours

Question 68

Usually the best disinfectant to use in large-diameter pipes or very long pipelines is: a. ) Calcium hypochlorite b. ) Sodium hypochlorite c. ) Chlorine gas d. ) Chloramines

Answer 68

c.) Chlorine gas