Operations and Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real UMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Operations and Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a cross-connection control program in a water utility?
Answer: Prevent contaminants from entering the potable water supply through backflow
Cross-connection control programs identify and eliminate connections that could allow contaminants to backflow into the potable water distribution system.
In wastewater treatment, what is the role of the secondary clarifier?
Answer: Separate activated sludge from treated effluent after biological treatment
The secondary clarifier uses gravity settling to separate biological floc (activated sludge) from the treated effluent following the aeration basin.
A water system operator finds turbidity spiking after a rainstorm. What is the MOST likely cause?
Answer: Surface runoff carrying suspended particles into the source water
Stormwater runoff washes sediment and organic particles into source water, causing turbidity spikes that challenge treatment processes.
What is the purpose of a valve exercising program?
Answer: Regularly operate valves to ensure they function properly when needed
Valve exercising programs periodically operate distribution valves to prevent seizing, verify operability, and ensure isolation capability during emergencies.
Which term describes the process of removing phosphorus from wastewater through chemical addition?
Answer: Chemical precipitation
Chemical precipitation uses iron or aluminum salts to react with dissolved phosphorus, forming insoluble compounds that settle out of the wastewater.
What does a pressure zone in a water distribution system define?
Answer: A portion of the system served within a specific pressure range, typically bounded by pressure-regulating valves
Pressure zones partition distribution systems to maintain acceptable pressures throughout varying topography, controlled by pressure-regulating or sustaining valves.
Which maintenance activity BEST reduces the risk of wet well pump failure in a lift station?
Answer: Regularly inspecting and cleaning wet wells and performing scheduled pump maintenance
Scheduled inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of pumps and wet wells prevents grease buildup, ragging, and mechanical failures.