Water Utility Maintenance & Construction Class 060 Homework Set 1 - Chapter 1 Quiz

Water Supply Management

• Drought conditions have brought water conservation and efficient use of water resources to the minds of water supply managers.

Water Cycle

• 70% of the water either evaporates immediately or runs off eventually into the oceans.
• The overall rate at which water evaporates from the ocean annually is 500,000 km³.

Acid Rain

• Acid rain is defined as precipitation that has a pH level below 5.6.
• Acid rain impacts precipitation by increasing its acidity, which can harm aquatic life and infrastructure.

Groundwater and Wells

• Groundwater produced by wells must be tested regularly to ensure its quality and safety.
• The upper surface of the zone of saturation of groundwater is called the water table if not confined by impermeable material.

Water Usage and Attitudes

• The current attitude towards water usage in America is one of conservation and efficient use.
• The general term used to describe the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of a water supply is water quality.

Raw Water

• Raw water refers to untreated water that is collected from natural sources such as rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
• Raw water is water that is not treated or processed for human consumption.

Distribution Systems

• The primary purpose of valves in a distribution system is to control the flow of water.
• A distribution system consists of a network of pipes, pumps, and valves that transport water from the treatment plant to consumers.
• The purpose of a distribution system in the waterworks industry is to deliver safe and reliable water to consumers.

Surface Water Treatment

• Surface waters require treatment to remove pollutants, sediment, and other contaminants.
• Source waters are filtered and treated to remove impurities and make them safe for human consumption.

Reclaimed Wastewater

• The seven uses of reclaimed wastewater are: agriculture, toilet flushing, industrial processes, groundwater recharge, environmental restoration, recreational impoundments, and potable water supplies.

Water Treatment and Distribution

• The primary concern of the operators of water treatment plants and water distribution systems is to deliver safe and reliable water to consumers.
• The primary concern of water treatment plants is to remove contaminants and pollutants from raw water.

Groundwater and Springs

• Groundwater springs that flow from the ground naturally are called artesian springs.
• The name "artesian" comes from the French province of Artois, where the first artesian wells were drilled.

Lakes and Reservoirs

• Many of the largest cities in the world depend on lakes and reservoirs for their water supplies.
• Lakes and reservoirs are susceptible to stratification, especially after fall or spring overturns.
• Stratification in lakes and reservoirs refers to the formation of layers with different temperatures and densities.
• Water supplies drawn from large lakes and reservoirs through multilevel intake facilities are generally of good quality.
• Algae are simple aquatic plants that can grow in bodies of water.
• The danger associated with using ponds, lakes, or open reservoirs as sources of water supply is the risk of contamination from runoff, algae, and other pollutants.

Water Supply System

• The water supply system has been divided into three parts: source, treatment, and distribution.
• Water is usually transported from its source to the water treatment plant through pipes or canals.
• Direct runoff is defined as precipitation that runs off the land surface into nearby water bodies.