CME CME Water & Wastewater Systems 3

Question 1

What is the primary goal of water main flushing programs in municipal distribution systems?

Accepted Answer

Remove sediment, biofilm, and disinfection byproducts to maintain water quality

Answer

Routine flushing programs remove accumulated sediments, biofilm, and disinfection byproducts that degrade water quality and cause customer complaints.

Question 2

Which type of valve is most commonly used for isolation of water mains to allow repairs or shutdowns?

Accepted Answer

Gate valve or resilient-seated gate valve

Answer

Gate valves and resilient-seated gate valves are the standard isolation valves in water distribution systems because they provide full-bore flow with minimal head loss when open.

Question 3

What is biological nutrient removal (BNR) designed to eliminate from wastewater effluent?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen and phosphorus that cause eutrophication

Answer

BNR processes use specialized microbial communities to remove nitrogen and phosphorus, preventing nutrient loading that causes algal blooms and dead zones in receiving waters.

Question 4

What is the function of a pressure reducing valve (PRV) in a water distribution system?

Accepted Answer

Reduce higher upstream pressure to a lower, controlled downstream pressure

Answer

PRVs protect lower-elevation distribution zones from excess pressure by automatically reducing high upstream pressure to a set downstream value.

Question 5

Under the Clean Water Act Section 404, what is required before placing fill material in US waters and wetlands for municipal infrastructure projects?

Accepted Answer

Section 404 permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers

Answer

Section 404 requires a permit from the USACE before discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the US, including wetlands, for any construction project.

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

CME CME Water & Wastewater Systems 3