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MASSACHUSETTS WATER
TREATMENT 1 LICENSE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- What are the three main types of source water?
- Rainwater, municipal runoff, and graywater
- Surface water, groundwater, and groundwater under the influence of surface water (GUI)
- Treated wastewater, desalination water, and stormwater
- Confined aquifers, artesian wells, and natural springs
- Which federal agency enforces the Safe Drinking Water Act?
Correct Answer: B) Surface water, groundwater, and groundwater under the influence of surface water (GUI)
A) FDA
B) CDC
C) EPA
D) OSHA
Correct Answer: C) EPA
- Define "maximum contaminant level" (MCL).
- The recommended goal for water purity
- The lowest achievable level of a contaminant using best available technology
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- The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water by law
- The average level of contaminants measured over a calendar year
- What is the purpose of the Surface Water Treatment Rule?
- To regulate the addition of fluoride to public water
- To mandate the use of reverse osmosis in coastal regions
- To reduce illnesses caused by microbial contaminants in surface water
- To control the amount of agricultural runoff entering lakes
- Name two sources of groundwater contamination.
- Leaking septic tanks and agricultural runoff (fertilizers/pesticides)
- Ocean tides and atmospheric deposition
- Evaporation and condensation
- Solar radiation and thermal pollution
- Which parameters are monitored under the Total Coliform Rule?
- Iron and Manganese
- Total coliform and E. Coli
- Lead and Copper
- Nitrates and Nitrites
Correct Answer: C) The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water by law
Correct Answer: C) To reduce illnesses caused by microbial contaminants in surface water
Correct Answer: A) Leaking septic tanks and agricultural runoff (fertilizers/pesticides)
Correct Answer: B) Total coliform and E. Coli
- What is the MCL for nitrate in drinking water?
- 5 mg/L as nitrogen
- 10 mg/L as nitrogen
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- 15 mg/L as nitrogen
- 20 mg/L as nitrogen
Correct Answer: B) 10 mg/L as nitrogen
- What does EPA stand for?
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Ecological Preservation Association
- Energy and Power Administration
- Environmental Policy Alliance
Correct Answer: A) Environmental Protection Agency
- Describe the function of the Massachusetts DEP.
- Manages the state's wildlife and fisheries
- Oversees the protection of drinking water quality in Massachusetts
- Enforces occupational safety standards for treatment plants
- Regulates the pricing of municipal water bills
- What is the purpose of a sanitary survey?
- To survey public opinion on water taste and odor
- To determine the market value of a treatment facility
- To assess the safety and integrity of a water system
- To map out future pipe expansions
Correct Answer: B) Oversees the protection of drinking water quality in Massachusetts
Correct Answer: C) To assess the safety and integrity of a water system
- What is a watershed?
- A storage tank for treated drinking water
- An area of land where all water drains to a common outlet
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- A specialized building where water pumps are housed
- The chemical boundary between fresh and salt water
Correct Answer: B) An area of land where all water drains to a common outlet
- What is the difference between a confined and unconfined aquifer?
- Confined aquifers hold saltwater; unconfined hold freshwater
- Confined aquifers are man-made; unconfined are natural
- Confined has an overlying impermeable layer; unconfined does not
- Confined aquifers require no pumping; unconfined always do
- Name one advantage of groundwater over surface water.
- It contains higher levels of dissolved oxygen
- It flows much faster than surface water
- Lower turbidity and generally fewer pathogens
- It never requires any form of disinfection
Correct Answer: C) Confined has an overlying impermeable layer; unconfined does not
Correct Answer: C) Lower turbidity and generally fewer pathogens
- What are common surface water contaminants?
- Lead, copper, and asbestos
- Algae, bacteria, viruses, and suspended solids
- Radon, uranium, and radium
- Methane gas and hydrogen sulfide
Correct Answer: B) Algae, bacteria, viruses, and suspended solids
- What is the primary drinking water regulation law in the U.S.?
- Clean Water Act (CWA)
- Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
