SFP Water Management & Conservation 3

Question 1

A facility's cooling tower has a makeup water flow of 50 gpm and a blowdown rate of 10 gpm. What is the evaporation rate?

Accepted Answer

40 gpm

Answer

Makeup water replaces both evaporation and blowdown losses; therefore evaporation = makeup − blowdown = 50 − 10 = 40 gpm.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a 'water balance' for a facility?

Accepted Answer

An accounting of all water inputs, uses, and outputs across the site

Answer

A water balance quantifies all water entering (metered supply, rainfall, reclaimed) and leaving (discharge, evaporation, product) a facility, identifying inefficiencies and unaccounted losses.

Question 3

What is the main advantage of using a soil moisture sensor in a landscape irrigation system?

Accepted Answer

It prevents irrigation when soil already contains sufficient moisture

Answer

Soil moisture sensors measure actual soil water content and interrupt scheduled irrigation cycles when moisture is adequate, eliminating unnecessary watering and reducing water waste.

Question 4

According to ASHRAE 191, a facility's water efficiency standard should prioritize which hierarchy of water sources?

Accepted Answer

Reduce demand first, then reuse and recycle, then use potable supply as last resort

Answer

ASHRAE 191 follows a demand-reduction-first hierarchy: minimize consumption, maximize reuse/recycling, and rely on potable municipal supply only for what cannot be met otherwise.

Question 5

Which type of landscape design approach is most aligned with sustainable water management in arid US climates?

Accepted Answer

Xeriscaping with drought-tolerant native plantings

Answer

Xeriscaping uses drought-adapted native plants that require minimal supplemental irrigation once established, dramatically reducing outdoor water demand in dry climates.

(SFP) Certified Sustainability Facility Professional Practice Test

(SFP) Certified Sustainability Facility Professional Practice Test

SFP Water Management & Conservation 3