Water Treatment Operator

Which of the following is the primary federal law that protects public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply?

• AClean Water Act (CWA)
• BSafe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
• CResource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• DToxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Under the SDWA, what is the difference between a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)?

• AThere is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.
• BAn MCL is an enforceable standard, while an MCLG is a non-enforceable health goal.
• CAn MCLG is an enforceable standard, while an MCL is a non-enforceable health goal.
• DMCLs apply to surface water, while MCLGs apply to groundwater.

What is the primary purpose of the Lead and Copper Rule?

• ATo regulate the amount of lead and copper in source water.
• BTo prevent lead and copper from entering the distribution system from source water.
• CTo control the corrosiveness of water to prevent leaching of lead and copper from pipes a…
• DTo require the complete removal of all lead and copper pipes from distribution systems.

A public water system is required to provide its customers with an annual report on the quality of their drinking water. What is this report called?

• AAnnual Water Quality Report (AWQR)
• BConsumer Confidence Report (CCR)
• CPublic Health Report (PHR)
• DSafe Water Report (SWR)

Which of these is considered a 'public water system' under the SDWA?

• AA privately owned well that serves a single-family home.
• BA system that provides water to at least 25 people or has 15 service connections for at l…
• CA bottled water company.
• DA system that serves only industrial purposes.

What does the term 'coagulation' refer to in water treatment?

• AThe process of filtering out large particles.
• BThe process of disinfecting water with chlorine.
• CThe process of adding chemicals to water to cause small particles to clump together.
• DThe process of allowing particles to settle out of water by gravity.

Which of the following is a common coagulant used in water treatment?

• ASodium chloride
• BAluminum sulfate (alum)
• CSodium hypochlorite
• DCalcium carbonate

The process that follows coagulation, where gentle mixing accelerates the formation of floc, is called:

• ASedimentation
• BFiltration
• CFlocculation
• DDisinfection

What is the main purpose of sedimentation in water treatment?

• ATo kill harmful microorganisms.
• BTo remove dissolved minerals.
• CTo remove suspended solids by gravity.
• DTo adjust the pH of the water.

Which of the following is NOT a type of filter used in water treatment?

• ASlow sand filter
• BRapid sand filter
• CDiatomaceous earth filter
• DActivated carbon filter

What is the primary purpose of disinfection in water treatment?

• ATo remove suspended solids.
• BTo kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms.
• CTo improve the taste and odor of the water.
• DTo remove dissolved minerals.

Which of the following is a common method of disinfection in water treatment?

• AChlorination
• BOzonation
• CUV irradiation
• DAll of the above

What is the term for the amount of chlorine that is used up by reacting with organic and inorganic materials in the water before a residual is established?

• AChlorine demand
• BChlorine residual
• CFree chlorine
• DCombined chlorine

Why is it important to maintain a chlorine residual in the distribution system?

• ATo prevent the water from freezing.
• BTo protect the water from re-contamination as it travels to the consumer.
• CTo improve the taste of the water.
• DTo prevent the pipes from corroding.

Which of the following is a potential byproduct of chlorine disinfection that is regulated by the EPA?

• ASodium chloride
• BTrihalomethanes (THMs)
• CCalcium carbonate
• DHydrogen peroxide

What is the purpose of adding fluoride to drinking water?

• ATo improve the taste of the water.
• BTo prevent tooth decay.
• CTo disinfect the water.
• DTo remove hardness from the water.