UMC Environmental Sustainability and Water Conservation 3

Question 1

Which AWWA-endorsed methodology provides a standardized framework for utilities to perform water loss audits and calculate their infrastructure leakage index (ILI)?

Accepted Answer

AWWA M36 Free Water Audit Software methodology

Answer

EPA SDWA Consumer Confidence Report template

Answer

NEPA environmental impact statement process

Answer

GASB Statement No. 34 financial reporting standard

Question 2

A utility implements aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) to store treated water underground during wet periods for use during droughts. What is the primary sustainability benefit?

Accepted Answer

Balances seasonal supply and demand while reducing reliance on surface water during low-flow periods

Answer

Eliminates the need for water treatment before injection

Answer

Converts saltwater aquifers to fresh water permanently

Answer

Removes the utility's obligation to comply with groundwater regulations

Question 3

Utilities track sustainability performance using benchmarking. Which organization provides the primary benchmarking and performance indicator framework used by U.S. water and wastewater utilities?

Accepted Answer

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

Answer

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Answer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Answer

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Question 4

Climate change adaptation planning for a water utility most critically requires addressing which operational risk?

Accepted Answer

Shifts in precipitation patterns affecting source water availability and quality

Answer

Elimination of all customer billing disputes

Answer

Reduction of employee benefit costs

Answer

Changes in federal income tax policy for public utilities

Question 5

Active leak detection programs using acoustic correlators and district metered areas (DMAs) primarily help utilities accomplish which goal?

Accepted Answer

Locate and repair hidden distribution system leaks to reduce real water losses

Answer

Monitor customer water quality at the point of use

Answer

Track water treatment chemical dosing in real time

Answer

Measure wastewater flows entering the collection system

Question 6

Which term describes a comprehensive plan that sets long-term water supply and demand projections to ensure a utility can reliably serve customers 20–50 years into the future?

Accepted Answer

Integrated water supply plan (IWSP) or urban water management plan

Answer

Annual operating budget

Answer

Short-term operational plan

Answer

Consumer confidence report

Question 7

Potable water reuse (direct and indirect) has expanded as a sustainable supply option. What is the primary regulatory concern that utilities must address before implementing a potable reuse program?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating that advanced-treated recycled water meets all drinking water quality standards and public health protections

Answer

Securing approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Answer

Converting all sewer lines to separated storm drains first

Answer

Eliminating fluoridation from the treatment process