Water Quality and Supply Systems Quiz

Urban vs. Rural Water Requirements

• Urban areas require significantly more water compared to rural areas due to higher population density and diverse water uses, including industrial activities.

Well Design and Contamination Prevention

• Gravel-packed wells are designed to prevent contamination by using gravel surrounding the well screen to filter out pollutants.

Ideal Turbidity Level

• 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) is considered the ideal turbidity level for water, indicating clear and safe water.

Water Hardness Measurement

• Calcium and magnesium content are used to measure water hardness.

Continuous Water Supply System

• Gravity-fed systems operate continuously without interruptions, relying on elevated storage tanks for water pressure.

Pathogen Resistant to Chlorination

• Cryptosporidium parvum is a pathogen known to resist regular chlorination levels, highlighting the need for advanced treatment methods.

Unlined Well

• Dug wells are characterized by having no brick lining, making them susceptible to contamination.

Temporary Hardness Treatment

• Boiling is a method of treating temporary hardness in water by converting calcium bicarbonate into insoluble calcium carbonate.

Ideal Fluoride Concentration

• 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L is the ideal concentration range for fluoride in drinking water to prevent tooth decay.

Clean Catch Water Sample Collection

• Using a sterile container and avoiding contact with the faucet ensures a clean catch specimen of water for analysis.

Maximum Permissible Chloride Limit

• 250 mg/L is the maximum permissible limit of chlorides in water, as high levels can affect taste and corrosivity.

Slow Sand Filter Characteristics

• Low flow rate, biological filtration, and high removal efficiency of bacteria and viruses are characteristics of slow sand filters.

McCartney Chart Principle

• The McCartney chart utilizes the most probable number (MPN) principle for measuring coliform bacteria in water samples.

Typical TDS Limit

• 500 mg/L is the typical permissible limit for total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water, exceeding this limit can affect taste and health.

Clostridia Perfringens Presence

• Presence of Clostridia perfringens indicates fecal contamination, especially in environments with low oxygen levels.

Sodium Zeolite Chemical Formula

• Na2Al2Si2O8 is the chemical formula for sodium zeolite, highlighting its composition of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.

Class with Head, Thorax, and Abdomen

• Insects are characterized by having a head, thorax, and abdomen, distinguishing them from other arthropod classes.

Mechanical Transmission Example

• Airborne transmission of pathogens through droplets is an example of a mechanical mode of transmission.

Anophilline Family Genus

• Anopheles is the genus that belongs to the Anophilline family, known for transmitting malaria.

Transmission with Shape Change

• Metamorphosis is the mode of transmission where an organism undergoes a change in shape, size, or developmental stage during its lifecycle.

Typical Insect Leg Count

• Six legs are typically present in organisms belonging to the Insecta class.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Purpose

• Measuring the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in degrading organic matter is the primary purpose of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) measurement.

Suspended Solids Statement

• Suspended Solids (SS) are particles that remain suspended in water and can affect water clarity and treatment efficiency.

Anaerobic Digestion for Sludge

• Anaerobic digestion is the treatment process involving the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, commonly applied to sludge treatment.

Water Seal in Latrine

• A water seal prevents the entry of flies and gases by creating a barrier of water in the latrine's outlet pipe.

Septic Tank Cleaning Frequency

• Every 3 to 5 years is the typical frequency for cleaning a septic tank, depending on usage and local conditions.

Indore Method Characteristic

• Composting of organic waste with human excreta is the primary characteristic of the Indore method in waste disposal.

Direct Defecation into Septic Tank

• Pour-flush latrines utilize direct defecation into the septic tank, offering a simple and efficient system.

Sewage Retention for Manure Enhancement

• Biogas digesters retain sewage for 2-3 months to enhance its value as manure through anaerobic digestion.