Water Management Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a caisson in water collection?

To filter out contaminants from water

To collect water by gravity or pumping (correct)

To enhance the flow of water from a stream

To store water for long-term use

How is turbidity and organic material removed from water in the infiltration process?

By adding chemicals to the water

Using ultraviolet light treatment

By boiling the water before collection

Through the percolation of water in gravel (correct)

What is used to seal the area around the perforated pipe in a spring water collection method?

Plastic lining

Clay (correct)

Concrete

Sand

Which device is commonly used to collect rainwater from roofs?

Roof catchment Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing Johnson screens or perforated pipe in the spring water collection method?

To access the water-bearing strata Signup and view all the answers

What is required before entering confined spaces associated with intake structures?

A written permit Signup and view all the answers

How often should air quality be monitored when inside a caisson?

Every 15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when operating a gas-powered pump in a caisson?

Carbon monoxide buildup Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a necessary record to maintain for operating a surface water system?

Emergency contact list Signup and view all the answers

What can potentially happen if the exhaust of a gas-powered pump is not properly managed?

Carbon monoxide entering the caisson Signup and view all the answers

What type of system is required for air management in confined spaces?

An air ventilation system Signup and view all the answers

What does contamination refer to in a water context?

Introduction of toxic materials Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating inside a caisson?

Ensure proper exhaust management Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does an embankment dam serve?

To create a man-made impoundment for water storage Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary device used for measuring flow in small streams?

Weir Signup and view all the answers

Which material is commonly used to construct large raw water storage tanks in the Arctic region?

Wood or steel Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the vertical obstruction placed in an open channel to measure flow?

Weir Signup and view all the answers

How much water can the large man-made storage tanks typically hold?

One million gallons or more Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cut-off in the structure described?

To prevent seepage and control water levels Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dam structure is associated with storing drinking water in Saxman?

Embankment dam Signup and view all the answers

Which device is considered a secondary device for measuring flow in larger streams?

Current meter Signup and view all the answers

What are confined aquifers also known as?

Artesian aquifers Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a well drilled in an unconfined aquifer?

It may be subject to contamination from local sources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about groundwater under the influence of surface water (GUDISW) is true?

It requires treatment to control microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

How is water in an artesian well described?

It rises above the saturated strata. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major risk associated with unconfined aquifer wells?

They can face contamination from septic systems. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a confined aquifer?

It is surrounded by layers of impermeable material. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for the classification of groundwater as GUDISW?

Direct influence from surface water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a pitless adapter in a well system?

To allow discharge to exit below ground level Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a flowing artesian well from a non-flowing artesian well?

Flowing wells do not need mechanical pumps. Signup and view all the answers

How far should grouting extend below the pitless adapter?

10 feet Signup and view all the answers

What type of material is commonly used for the sanitary seal in a submersible pump?

Rubber-like material Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a drop pipe or riser pipe in a well system?

To connect the pump to the well head Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a sanitary seal at the top of a well casing?

To prevent contamination of the well Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main functions of well screens in a well system?

To support the borehole and filter contaminants Signup and view all the answers

What material is considered most desirable for a drop pipe?

Steel Signup and view all the answers

Which component allows the well discharge to be located below the frost line?

Pitless adapter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Embankment Dams

An embankment dam can be used to store drinking water, like the one in Saxman
Raw water storage tanks are often used in the arctic region, especially during winter
These tanks are made of wood or steel and can hold millions of gallons of water
These tanks are used to store raw water for use during winter months

Water Flow Measurement

Flow in streams and rivers can be measured with devices called weirs and flumes
Weirs are vertical obstructions that are calibrated to measure flow in cubic feet per second (cfs), gallons per minute (gpm), or million gallons per day (MGD)
Current meters are used on larger streams

Infiltration Gallery

Uses perforated pipes laid in gravel to collect water from streams
Water flows into a caisson which is a large pipe placed vertically
Water is removed from the caisson by gravity or pumping

Springs

A common method for collecting water from a spring involves placing Johnson screens or perforated pipes into the water-bearing strata
The opening is piped into a spring box and covered with clean, washed rock and sealed with clay

Roof Catchments

Rainwater can be collected from roof tops using a roof catchment
A gas-powered pump installed in a caisson or on a boat requires hearing protection

Confined Spaces

Caissons and valve boxes associated with intake structures are confined spaces
Before entering a confined space a written permit, an air ventilation system, and air quality monitoring are required

Carbon Monoxide

When running a gas-powered pump in a caisson, ensure the exhaust is directed out of the caisson
Wind can blow carbon monoxide back into the caisson so always check for oxygen and combustible gases before entering

Water System Records

To properly operate and maintain surface water systems certain records should be kept
These include as-built drawings, copies of the water rights certificate and water shed management use agreement, a map of the drainage basin

Contamination

The introduction of toxic materials, such as bacteria or chemicals, into water that make it unfit for its intended use
A map indicating contamination sites and activity sites is important for water system management

Unconfined Aquifers

Wells drilled into an unconfined aquifer are shallow and subject to contamination from hazardous and toxic materials
These include fuel, oil, agricultural runoff containing nitrates and microorganisms, and septic tank discharge
This type of well may be classified as Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water and require treatment to control microorganisms

Confined Aquifers

Confined aquifers are layers of saturated material contained between layers of impermeable materials
These aquifers are also called artesian aquifers
Artesian wells are those that rise above the saturated strata

Pitless Adapters

Allows the discharge from a well to exit below ground level
Reduces the risk of freezing and provides flexibility in pump house location
Well casing vent is an internal part of the pitless adapter cover

Well Head

The top of the well casing
A sanitary seal is placed at the top of the casing to prevent contamination

Sanitary Seal

For submersible pumps the sanitary seal is made of rubber-like material, compressed and expanded to seal against the casing and pump discharge pipe

Drop Pipe/Riser

The pipe leading from the pump to the well head is called a drop pipe or riser pipe
It is typically made of steel or PVC. Steel is preferred.

Well Screen

Screens are installed on the end of a well casing or inner casing of a gravel-packed well
Screens support the borehole and reduce the amount of sand entering the casing and pump

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Description

This quiz covers various water management systems including embankment dams, water flow measurement techniques, infiltration galleries, and spring collection methods. Explore how these systems play a crucial role in the storage and measurement of water, ensuring a reliable supply, especially in challenging environments. Test your knowledge on these essential water management concepts.