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Distribution Exam 1
Water Distribution exam questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| ***What are the the stages in the hydrological cycle?*** | Evaporation (transporation & sublimation), condensation, precipitation, percolation, run off (groundwater & surface water) back to evaporation |
| ***What is an aquifer?*** | A water bearing layer of soil |
| ***What chemical is used to dechlorinate water?*** | Sodium thiosulfate |
| What is the primary drinking water standard that is established to minimize the risk of methemoglobinia (blue baby syndrome) | Nitrate |
| ***What is the term for the processes that converts liquid water into gaseous form?*** | Evapotransporation |
| Where will you find a nutating disk in a water distribution system? | Water meters (nutating disc are the most common form of positive displacement) |
| ***What are the two constituents in water we call hardness?*** | Calcium and magnesium |
| ***What are aquifers usually composed of?*** | Usually composed of coarse granular material like sand or gravel |
| ***What is an artesian?*** | An aquifer combined and under pressure |
| ***What is the difference between the drastic water level and the pumping water level called?*** | Draw down |
| What does diurnal mean? | Daily or based on a 24 hour cycle |
| ***What is a the term for the height to which water will rise in a well tapped into an artesian aquifer?*** | Piezometric Surface |
| List 3 types of aeration? | Cascade (cone), Diffused (fish tank) and Spray |
| ***What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?**" | Disinfection kills microbes to a safe level (its the destruction or inactivation of pathogens) Sterilization kills EVERYTHING! |
| ***Chlorine is heavier or lighter than air?*** | Heavier |
| At what temperature does a fusible plug melt? | 158°F to 165°F |
| ***What color is chlorine gas?*** | Greenish yellow |
| Name 8 pathogenic organisms carried by water? | Viruses - Polio & Hepatitis Bacteria -Salmonella, Dysentery, Typhoid, Cholera Parasites - Giardia, Cryptosporidium |
| ***How do you check for chlorine leaks?*** | Use ammonia vapors (it produces white smoke) |
| ***What are by products from chlorine called?*** | DBP's or disinfectant by products |
| ***Name two DBPs from chlorine:*** | Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s) |
| What does pH measure? | Weather water is acting as a acid, a base or if its neutral & hydrogen ions |
| How do you test pH? | Meters are the ONLY official way to test pH |
| What chemicals increase pH? | Lime, caustic soda and soda ash |
| What chemicals decrease pH? | Acids such as sulfuric acid and carbon dioxide |
| ***What is coagulation?*** | The clumping together of fine particles into larger particles called flocs |
| ***The size of water mains, pumping stations and storage tanks is primarily determined by:*** | Fire protection requirements |
| ***Why is excessive water pressure to residential homes objectionable?*** | It decreases the life of water heaters and other water using appliances |
| *"*What is the best time to perform a flushing program on the mains?*** | At night to lessen traffic disruption and minimize customer complaints |
| ***Chlorine works better as temperatures increase or decrease?*** | Increase |
| ***Large full storage tanks are typically disinfected with a chlorine residual of:*** | 10 mg/L |
| Why is a well acidified? | To increase production |
| ***What is the primary source of coliforms in water?**" | Fecal material from warm blooded animals |
| ***What is the term for a framework of wood or metal installed to prevent the caving in of trench walls?*** | Shoring |
| Which service line material, of copper, galvanized iron, lead and plastic is NOT flexible? | Galvanized iron |
| Which type of pipe is typically used in the construction of very large mains? | Steel |
| **How many hours must the water remain undisturbed in a pipe before collecting a sample for lead and copper analysis?*** | 6 hours |
| When present in water what will increase corrosion rate? | Dissolved oxygen |
| What is the recommended dosage when disinfecting using the slug method? | 300 mg/L for 3 hours |
| What service line material will cause corrosion when connected to brass? | Galvanized iron |
| ***Wfter a NEW water main is installed and pressure tested, it should be________?*** | Filled with a solution of 25 ppm - 50 ppm free chlorine for at least 24 hours prior to flushing |
| What type of fire hydrant has no main valve but has a separate valve for each nozzle? | Wet barrel |
| What is the maximum theoretical suction lift of a centrifugal pump at sea level? | 34 feet |
| What type of motor is the simplest of all AC motors, with rotors consisting of a series of bars? | Squirrel cage |
| ***What does SCADA stand for?*** | Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition |
| What valve is used for maintaining prime in a pump? | A foot valve |
| ***List the classes of fire extinguishers and their uses*** | Class A - common materials Class B - flammable liquids Class C - electrical Class D - combustible metals |
| When any piece of electrical equipment is being worked on, the circuit breaker should be_________? | De-energized and locked out |
| ***OSHA is an acronym for what?*** | Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
| ***The most common water complaints are taste, odor and?*** | Color |
| What organization mandated the language and methods of publication? | US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| The zone of influence is defined as the____________? | Distance from a well that the cone of depression affects the normal water level |
| What is the name of the pipe that serves as an inlet and outlet on an elevated tank? | Riser |
| What type of ductile iron pipe joint is quickly assembled and is the least expensive? | Push on joint |
| Where are the most common location of leaks on old service connections? | Connections to a the curb stop |
| What is the term for the height to which a column of water will rise in a well? | Piezometric surface |
| ***What analytical test is most important?*** | Coliform bacteria |
| How long should a new tank be disinfected before a water sample is collected for coliform bacteria? | 24 hours |
| What valve is best for maintaining prime for the water level in a tank? | Altitude valve |
| ***Why should isolation valves be installed at frequent intervals in distribution piping?*** | So small sections of the water main may be shut off for maintenance |
| Customers usually notice turbidity readings in excess of how many nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)? | .5 |
| ***What water problem is most likely to occur at dead end water mains?*** | Taste & Odor |
| What does Asbestos-cement pipe contain? | Silica sand (Portland cement & asbestos fibers are also used in AC pipes) |
| Which type of butterfly connection is best to use underground? | Mechanical joint |
| What is the primary purpose of well grouting? | To prevent surface water contamination from entering the water that is being drawn into the well |
| What is the MCL (maximum contamination level) for asbestos? | 7 million fibers per liter |
| What should be checked using a verified lab? | Primary contaminants like lead and mercury |
| Wells should be plugged in accordance with what? | Louisiana Water Well Rules, Regulations and Standards |
| *"*What type of seal must wells have?*** | Sanitary well seals |
| How should casing grouting be set up? | Community supply grouting must be from aquifier to ground surface. Non- community 50 feet deep |
| ,***What must be posted in written form in the plant?*** | Part 11 of the State Sanitary Code |
| What features are assessed in a water system during a Sanitary Survey to identify possible health risk? | Condition of vent screens, back flow preventers and other possible sources of contamination |
| ***A connection made while the water main is flowing at regular pressure is called?*** | A Wet tap |
| ***What does the acronym SDWA stand for?*** | Safe Drinking Water Act |
| Name the colors for locates and their meanings | Blue = water; Red = electric; Orange = cable/tv; Yellow or Mustard = gas; Flourescent Green = sewer; Pink = temperary survey markings; Purple = reclaimed water; White = proposed excavation |
| What does the acronym NPDWR stand for? | National Primary Drinking Water Regulations |
| ***How far should the spoil pile be from the hole?*** | 2 feet |
| What are two types of curb stop houses? | Arch and Minneapolis |
| How do you determine the number of turns on a valve? | Multiply the diameter of the pipe by 3 and add 2 |
| ***What two things determines the sizing of a household service line?*** | Flow and pressure |
| ***What is the minimum ground cover for water mains?*** | 2.5 feet |
| ***What is the minimum cover for service lines?*** | 18 inches |
| ***When did the Safe Drinking Water Act pass?*** | 1974 |
| What is household liquid bleach called ? | Sodium Hypochlorite |
| What are chlorine tablets or hth called ? | Calcium Hypochlorite |
| What type of pump is commonly used in a water distribution system ? | Centrifugal |
| What should the minimum velocity be when flushing the distribution lines? | 2.5 fps (feet per second) |
| What water problem is likely to occur at dead end water mains ? | Taste and odor |
| Which type of butterfly valve connection is best used underground ? | Mechanical joint |
| How should casing grouting be set up? | Community supply grouting must be from the aquifer to ground surface. Non-community 50 feet deep |
| What does the acronym SDWA stand for? | Safe Drinking Water Act |
| What is a curb stop? | A valve used to control water from the city main to the inside of a house or building |
| What problem can often occur if a deep valve vault becomes flooded | Backsiphonage hazard |
| Where are the most common leaks on old service connections found? | Connections to the curb stop |
| Which curb stop eliminates the possibility of misalignment? | Minneapolis style |
| When talking about ground water, subsidence means? | The sinking of land resulting from ground water extraction |
| List the three primary functions of a water distribution system: | Transport water to customers, provide storage and provide flow and adequate pressure for fire suppression |
| What are two criteria for a water distribution system? | To provide adequate water and reliable (safe) water |
| What is the job of a water distribution operator? | To make sure water supply facilities do their intended job and to operate, maintain, repair and manage their facility |
| What are the responsibilities of a water distribution operator? | To deliver safe and pleasant water to everyone's tap and to make sure there is adequate water and pressure during emergencies |
| ***What are the two major sources of water supplies?*"" | Surface water and ground water |
| Why should water distribution operators discuss proposed facilities with engineers? | To find out how the engineers intend for the facilities to be operated, maintained and repaired and to make suggestions for improvements |
| Why are records important? | To document the effectiveness of your facility |
| Who hires water distribution operators? | Cities, water agencies, PR districts, private utility companies or industries |
| What does it take to make a good water distribution operator? | Desire |
| What is the main purpose of a water distribution storage facility? | To provide a sufficient amount of water, to equalize the demand and to maintain pressure throughout the system |
| What are the benefits of a water storage facility? | Demand is equalized, system flow and pressure are maintained/stabilized and reserve water is available for fire fighting |
| What is a clear well for? | To store treated water |
| What is the purpose of a clear well? | To store water and allow constant filtration rates |
| What is the main purpose of an elevated storage tank? | To maintain adequate and fairly uniform pressure |
| What are surge tanks used for? | To control surges and water hammer |
| What can cause water storage requirements to change? | Changes in mainline size (larger Mains need more water) |
| When should air relief valves be inspected? | After rains or floods to make sure they are not submerged and are working properly |
| Name six things water samples are tested for? | Chloroform, turbidity, total trihalomehanes, chlorine residual, lead and copper and chlorine |