Small Water System Operator Certification Practice Exam

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• What are orthophosphate and polyphosphate used for in water treatment?
• Which statement correctly describes the vertical turbine pump?
• Most common type of water source in WI water systems
• Which statement describes the Consumer Confidence Report requirement?
• The presence of coliform bacteria in water indicates that what might also be present?
• TTHMs stands for which term?
• Routine DBP monitoring frequency for NNWS serving more than 10,000 people?
• How often is a Sanitary Survey performed for Non-Community Water Systems?
• Tier 3 notice timeframe is which of the following?
• What is the primary objective of residual management in a drinking water distribution system?
• Lime softening and ion exchange are used for what purpose in water treatment?
• Define CT in disinfection and explain how it is calculated.
• What is a common source for SOCs in water systems?
• What are three types of water meters?
• Which act sets standards (MCLs) for drinking water quality?
• What is the time frame for analyzing a bacteria sample?
• Which action best helps verify disinfection effectiveness in a distribution system?
• Why is regular flushing of distribution mains important?
• What must be installed in a well to allow air displacement as water is pumped out?
• What is the typical range for a free chlorine residual in a drinking water distribution system?
• What is the purpose of maintaining a minimum chlorine residual in a distribution system?
• Lime softening may require which type of downstream processing?
• Which definition applies to a Community Water System?
• How many disinfection attempts can be made before the well must be filled and sealed?
• In lead and copper corrosion control, which inhibitors are commonly used?
• What is the purpose of a water system's emergency operation plan?
• Which agency regulates well construction in Wisconsin?
• NR114 is the Wisconsin administrative code that provides what?
• What are two main uses for hydrants?
• For NNWS serving more than 10,000 people, the frequency may be eligible for which?
• Most common methods of constructing a well
• What is the minimum distance from finished grade to the top of the well casing?
• Which activities require plan approvals from the DNR?
• What are the two sub-categories of Non-Community Water Systems (NCWS)?
• What is asset management?
• Follow-up action for ALE?
• What does DBP stand for?
• What is the pumping water level?
• ALE stands for what in lead and copper sampling?
• What is grout used for in well construction?
• What is the difference between free chlorine and combined chlorine?
• Which Wisconsin state agency is responsible for public drinking water regulations?
• What is the purpose of including training in an O&M plan?
• Targeted sampling helps detect issues not captured by universal sampling because:
• Name the two processes used for softening water.
• Two biological contaminants associated with humans/animals?
• Unconsolidated formation is defined as?
• What is the focus of Primary Drinking Water Standards?
• Which line represents informational resources for someone constructing a well?
• What is a common cause of low water pressure in a distribution system?
• In an emergency, which professionals should be included on a contact list?
• Which practice helps maintain a stable corrosion control in a distribution system?
• What is the difference between treatment plant effluent turbidity and distribution system turbidity?
• What is an approved sampling method for bacteriological testing of drinking water?
• How would storage tank operation influence water quality?
• Backflow prevention devices should be tested at intervals required by local code or manufacturer, typically annually; more frequent testing for high-risk applications.
• Which statement best describes CT in disinfection?
• In a submersible pump system, which component houses the electrical cord that must be run to the top of the well for power supply?
• Who is responsible for maintaining the capacity of a water system?
• What is cross-connection control and why must it be implemented?
• Who must construct a well in Wisconsin?
• Which definition applies to a Non-Community Water System?
• Locations to sample for L&C (Lead & Copper) monitoring?
• Which set lists four types of water storage?
• When is a boil-water advisory typically issued?
• Which of the following is an example of a consolidated formation?
• Which of the following is NOT a main method used to disinfect water?
• Where are VOC samples collected from?
• If the water system adds chlorine, what must be present in the bacterial sample bottle?
• Which item should be regularly inspected by a Water System Operator?
• What does turbidity indicate and why is it monitored in treatment?
• Tier 1 Notice timeframe for informing the public is...
• Which statement describes a role of a representative sampling plan in a distribution system?
• Backflow testing frequency for high-risk applications.
• What are the two sub-categories of Community Water Systems (CWS)?
• Which option is NOT listed as a factor to consider when selecting distribution system pipes?
• What happens if the Lead action level is exceeded under the Lead and Copper Rule?
• What does a water balance specifically track in a water system?
• What is the most common source of organic chemicals in water?
• In bacteriological sampling, chain-of-custody is important because:
• Which statement describes the importance of corrosion control in distribution systems?
• Which device is described as measuring water by tracking the rotation of a rotor in the flow path?
• Universal sampling may not suffice for small systems because water quality can vary across the system; targeted or stratified sampling helps detect issues not captured by universal sampling alone.
• Which approach is used to minimize DBP formation by controlling natural organic matter?
• Which of the following is a main region of a municipally oriented water system responsible for compliance?
• Why is recordkeeping important in an O&M plan?
• What is the minimum distance from the top of the well casing to the regional flood level?
• Which illness is associated with high nitrates in drinking water, especially for children?
• Which WI agency regulates the water metering of customers?
• Why is proper bed configuration and filtration media important in rapid sand or dual media filter?
• What steps should be taken if a taste test suggests sudden changes in water taste?
• Which of the following is NOT an indicator of nitrification in a chloraminated system?
• What is the minimum time water must stand in pipes prior to collecting lead and copper samples?
• In Wisconsin, which agency is commonly associated with regulating public utilities and services, including water metering?
• When is a Tier 1 public notice required?
• What are the most common sources of nitrate in water?
• Which groups are considered biological contaminants of water?
• Which entity performs sanitary surveys?
• What is cone of depression?
• SOC samples are collected from which location within a water system?
• How can non-revenue water be reduced in a small system?
• What are the three main methods used to disinfect water?
• Public Notification Rule and Consumer Confidence Report Rule are aimed at which goal?
• Which condition would prompt Tier 1 public notice for drinking water?
• What is the purpose of residual disinfectant in the distribution system?
• What are the two common names for the pipes that carry water from the source to the customer?
• Which term describes an aquifer surrounded by a layer of impermeable rock or clay that impedes water flow?
• What are the primary parts of a water treatment plant in a conventional treatment process?
• Which action best supports regulatory reporting in a municipal water system?
• Which factor affects how water moves through an aquifer?
• Which document provides the certification requirements for water system operators in Wisconsin?
• M/R Violation stands for what?
• What is a typical disinfection byproduct (DBP) of concern and how can formation be minimized?
• Unconfined aquifer is defined as?
• A compound meter is described as which of the following?
• What are the four main physical characteristics of water?
• How should backflow prevention devices be tested and maintained?
• Which option reflects the five components of a water distribution system?
• What is the primary goal of cross-connection control programs?
• Name of agency responsible for safety codes at privately owned water systems?
• Which is a type of well pump operated by a motor on top of the well casing with a pump and bowl assemblies in the water?
• Improve customer communication during outages or boil advisories?
• Which component stores finished water in a water system?
• Which step is NOT recommended for addressing taste and odor issues in treated water?
• How would you explain dead ends or stagnant zones in a distribution system and how are they addressed?
• What term describes the lowering of the groundwater around a pumping well?
• Most common health effect associated with radiological contaminants in drinking water.
• Which organization is commonly involved in well construction oversight in Wisconsin?
• Four actions W.S. Operators can take to protect water quality
• What are typical lead and copper treatment options in a water system?
• How would you determine water age zones in a looped vs branched distribution system?
• What are the three areas taken into account when assessing a water system's capacity?
• Secondary Drinking Water Standards focus on contaminants that affect what aspect of water quality?
• Residual management in a distribution system primarily aims to:
• What precautions must be taken while taking VOC samples?
• What is the name for the chlorine available in a water system after the demand?
• What must be done before a Bacteria sample is collected?
• What device is used in a distribution system to regulate or shut off water flow?
• What is the significance of operator training and certification in a small water system?
• Three sources of drinking water are which of the following?
• Which of the following is not a physical characteristic of water?
• For sampling in a distribution system, which faucet characteristics are preferred?
• Which chemical is used to quench chlorine in a SOC sample when chlorine is present?
• What is the static water level?
• Where should sampling taps be located for L&C monitoring?
• Who is responsible for obtaining plan approvals from the DNR for major water system changes?
• What is the significance of alkalinity and pH in water treatment and distribution?
• Which statement correctly describes the submersible pump?
• Which term describes a sediment that is loosely arranged or unstratified or not cemented together?
• Which term refers to historical records of wells that provide depth and construction details?
• Which entities are listed as informational resources for someone constructing a well?
• Which condition must be avoided to ensure VOC sample quality?
• What is the recommended storage temperature for preserving bacteriological samples?
• Public education material delivery during ALE follow-up should occur how?
• What are the four main aquifers in Wisconsin?
• How often is a Sanitary Survey performed for Community Water Systems?
• How many hours of continuing education are required and how often?
• DBP testing monitors primarily for which two parameters?
• Two protozoans that can be found in drinking water?
• Tier 3 notices are used to inform the public about what kind of issues?
• How long does one sampling round for lead and copper monitoring last?
• A positive displacement meter is defined as?
• Which of the following is an example of an unconsolidated formation?
• What is the typical focus of VOC sampling in terms of sample locations?
• Which item is an element of an effective operation and maintenance (O&M) plan?
• Where are bacteria samples collected?
• How often are Consumer Confidence Reports required?
• Which parameter is chemical characteristics affecting water quality?
• What is the biggest drawback of using UV or ozone disinfection?
• Tier 2 notice timeframe is...
• Which pump is attached to the bottom of the well via a drop pipe; the drop pipe houses the electrical cord?
• What is the importance of maintaining a calibration log for field meters?
• HAA5 refers to what?
• Lead and copper release in distribution systems is influenced by physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water and what other factor?
• Which statement best describes a turbine meter?
• The Public Notification Rule and the CCR Rule are designed to inform customers about water quality as part of which overarching goal?
• What should an emergency plan include regarding backup water source?
• Which statement about DBP monitoring frequency for NNWS is true?
• Which option lists the six main components of a water system?
• Well casings must meet DNR thickness and material requirements?
• A turbine meter is defined as?
• Which term describes a geologic material whose particles are stratified, cemented, or firmly packed together?
• What are the three primary objectives of drinking water treatment for a small system?
• What does water age mean?
• List common corrosion control strategies used in small systems to protect lead and copper.
• Where are SOC samples typically collected from?
• Which statement accurately describes orthophosphate's role in corrosion control?
• Which of the following is NOT a corrosion control strategy used in small systems to protect lead and copper?
• What does headloss refer to in a distribution system?
• Which strategy helps ensure equitable access to safe drinking water during emergencies?
• Low water flow is most likely caused by which of the following?
• What is the purpose of an intake screen or barrier in protecting source water?
• Under the Lead and Copper Rule, which percentile triggers action?
• What is the function of well casing?
• Secondary Drinking Water Standards address contaminants that primarily affect which aspects of water quality?
• Which chemical characteristics affect water corrosivity?
• What is the primary purpose of a well cap, seal, and vent screen?
• Which statement about a representative sampling plan is a key characteristic?
• Grout is used for what?
• What must be submitted to the DNR within 30 days of well construction completion?
• Which test is commonly used to optimize coagulation dose?
• Dead ends are addressed by looping or targeted flushing.
• Which statement best describes why high turbidity undermines disinfection?
• Which tier notification must be followed if there is an MCL exceedance?
• Which statement correctly defines a confined aquifer?
• Which of the following is NOT typically a main region responsible for compliance in a municipally oriented water system?
• Factors (other than corrosive water) that can influence lead and/or copper release in distribution systems.
• A positive displacement meter is defined as?
• What is a flush-and-fill procedure?
• What is the source of radionuclides in drinking water?
• Taste & Odor is categorized as which type of water characteristic?
• Which of the following indicates nitrification in a chloraminated system?
• Which statement best describes the location for sampling radionuclides in a water system?
• What is a Sanitary Survey?
• Why is source water protection important for a small water system?
• What is required to maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act regarding monitoring and reporting?
• Which of the following is NOT used to determine a coagulation dose?
• Which statement about drilled wells is true?
• The Capacity Development Program is designed to be proactive in what area?
• How should bacteriological samples be collected and preserved for analysis?
• Which term refers to the water level in a well when the pump is not operating?
• What is the purpose of lime softening and when might it be used?
• Which safety practice is essential when handling chlorine or other disinfectants?
• DBP samples must be collected when?
• Consolidated formation is defined as?
• Which item is included on a new well construction application?
• Which parameter describes water clarity?
• What is the first action in response to a suspected chemical spill near a water intake?
• Where are lead and copper samples collected from?
• Tier 3 notice timeframe is...
• What kind of info would you want to have on an emergency plan for your water system?
• What is a compound meter?
• Which term describes the water level in a well after pumps have run?
• Name two methods used for treating lead and copper releases in a distribution system.
• What type of pipe scale is best for reducing lead and copper release?