Energy and Utilities Water and Wastewater Utilities

Question 1

Which federal law sets standards for drinking water quality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 authorizes the EPA to set national standards for contaminants in public drinking water systems.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of chlorination in drinking water treatment?

Accepted Answer

Disinfecting water to kill pathogens

Answer

Chlorination is the most widely used water disinfection method, killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that could cause waterborne illness.

Question 3

What does 'turbidity' measure in water quality assessment?

Accepted Answer

Cloudiness or haziness caused by suspended particles

Answer

Turbidity measures the clarity of water by quantifying light scattered by suspended particles; high turbidity can indicate contamination.

Question 4

What is a 'combined sewer overflow' (CSO)?

Accepted Answer

The discharge of untreated sewage and stormwater during heavy rain from combined sewer systems

Answer

CSOs occur in older combined sewer systems when storm runoff overwhelms capacity, causing untreated sewage mixed with stormwater to discharge to waterways.

Question 5

What treatment process removes dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium from water?

Accepted Answer

Water softening (ion exchange)

Answer

Water softening uses ion exchange resins to replace calcium and magnesium ions (which cause hardness) with sodium or potassium ions.

Energy and Utilities Practice Test

Energy and Utilities Practice Test

Energy and Utilities Water and Wastewater Utilities