HIC Water Quality & Sampling 5

Question 1

A spring water source used by a food establishment shows elevated arsenic at 12 ppb. What regulatory threshold does this violate?

Accepted Answer

10 ppb MCL

Answer

The EPA MCL for arsenic in drinking water is 10 µg/L (ppb); a reading of 12 ppb constitutes a violation requiring corrective action.

Question 2

Which sampling protocol is required for a Tier 1 lead tap water monitoring sample under the Lead and Copper Rule?

Accepted Answer

One-liter first-draw from the cold water kitchen tap after ≥6 hours stagnation

Answer

The Lead and Copper Rule requires a 1-liter first-draw from the cold water kitchen tap after at least 6 hours of no water use.

Question 3

What is the primary reason a health inspector would require an air gap rather than a mechanical backflow preventer in certain plumbing situations?

Accepted Answer

An air gap provides the highest level of backflow protection and requires no mechanical maintenance

Answer

An air gap is the most reliable backflow protection because it is a physical break in the water line that cannot fail mechanically.

Question 4

Under the Total Coliform Rule, what action must a public water system take when a routine sample tests positive for total coliform?

Accepted Answer

Collect repeat samples within 24 hours from the same site and adjacent sites

Answer

A coliform-positive routine sample requires repeat samples from the same site and nearby sites within 24 hours to confirm or rule out a systemic problem.

Question 5

Fluoride in a community water supply above what concentration requires public notification due to cosmetic effects (dental fluorosis)?

Accepted Answer

2.0 mg/L

Answer

The EPA secondary MCL for fluoride is 2.0 mg/L; exceeding this level triggers notification because of potential dental fluorosis risk in children.

(HIC) Health Inspector Certification Practice Test

(HIC) Health Inspector Certification Practice Test

HIC Water Quality & Sampling 5