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89 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

Acid rain

Precipitation that has been rendered (made) acidic by airborne pollutants

Algae (3)

Microscopic plants containing chlorophyll that live floating or suspended in water. They also may be attached to structures rocks or other submerged surfaces.



Excess algal growths can impart tastes and odours to potable water. Algae produce oxygen during sunlight hours and use oxygen during the night hours.



Their biological activities appreciably affect the pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen of the water

Algal bloom

Sudden, massive growths of microscopic and macroscopic plant life, such as green or blue-green algae, which develop in lakes, reservoirs, and lagoons under the proper conditions

Anaerobic

A condition in which atmospheric or dissolved oxygen (DO) is not present in the aquatic (water) environment

Aquifer

A natural, underground layer of porous, water-bearing materials (sand, gravel) usually capable of yielding a large amount or supply of water

Back pressure

A pressure that can cause water to backflow into the water supply when a user's water system is at a higher pressure than the public water system

Backflow

A reverse flow condition, created by a difference in water pressures, that causes water to flow back into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source or sources other than an intended source. Also see backsiphonage

Backsiphonage

A form of backflow caused by a negative or below atmospheric pressure within a water system. Also see backflow

Capillary action

The movement of water through very small spaces dye to molecular forces

Capillary fringe

The porous material just above the water table that may hold water by capillarity (a property of surface tension that draws water upward) in the smaller void spaces

Carcinogen

Any substance that tends to produce cancer in an organism

Chloramines

Compounds formed by the reaction if hypochlorous acid (or aqueous chlorine) with ammonia

Cross-connection

A connection between a drinking (potable) water system and an unapproved water supply or between a storm drain system and a sanitary collection system. Less frequently, a connection between two sections of a collection system to handle anticipated overloads of one system

Direct runoff

Water that flows over the ground surface directly into streams, rivers, or lakes. Also called storm runoff.

Electrochemical reaction

Chemical changes produced by electricity (electrolysis) or the production of electricity by chemical changes (galvanic action). In corrosion, a chemical reaction us accompanied by the flow of electrons through a metallic path. The electron flow may come from an external force and cause the reaction, such as electrolysis caused by a direct current (DC) electric railway, or the electron flow may be caused by chemical reaction, as in the galvanic action of a flashlight dry cell

Entrain

To trap bubbles in water either mechanically through turbulence or chemically through a reaction; or to trap one substance or material by another substance or material

Head

The vertical distance, height, or energy of water above a reference point. A head of water may be measured in either height (feet or meters) or pressure (pounds per square inch or kilograms per square centimeter). Also see discharge head, dynamic head, static head, suction head, suction lift, and velocity head.

Impermeable

Not easily penetrated. The property of a material or soil that does not allow, or allows only with great difficulty, the movement or passage of water

Interface

The common boundary layer between two substances, such as water and solid (metal); or between two fluids, such as water and a gas (air); or between a liquid (water) and another liquid (oil)

Macroscopic organisms

Organisms big enough to be seen by the eye without the aid of a microscope

Overturn

The almost spontaneous mixing of all layers of water in a reservoir or lake when the water temperature becomes similar from top to bottom. This may occur in the fall/winter whether surface waters cool to the same temperature as the bottom waters and in the spring when the surface waters warm after the ice melts. Also called turnover.

Palatable

Water at a desirable temperature that is free from objectionable tastes, odours, colors, and turbidity. Pleasing to the senses.

Potable water

Water that does not contain objectionable, pollution, contamination, minerals, or infective agents and is considered satisfactory for drinking

Raw water

Water in it's natural state, before any treatment, especially as it enters the first treatment process of a water treatment plant

Soft water

Water having a low concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. According to US Geological Survey guidelines, soft water is water having a hardness of 60 milligrams per liter or less

Stratification

The formation of separate layers (of temperature, plant life, or animal life) in a lake or reservoir. Characteristics within each layer are similar; for instance, all water in the same layer has the same temperature. Also see thermal stratification.

Subsidence

The dropping or lowering of the ground surface as a result of removing excess water (overdraft or overpumping) from and aquifer. After excess water has been removed, the soil will settle, becoming compacted, and the ground surface will drop, which can cause the settling or underground utilities

This (trihalomethanes)

Derivatives of methane, CH4, in which three halogen atoms (chlorine or bromine) are substituted for three of the hydrogen atoms. Often formed during chlorination by reactions with natural organic materials in the water. The resulting compounds (THMs) are suspected of causing cancer.

Topography

The arrangement of hills and valleys in a geographic area

Transpiration

The process by which water vapour is released to the atmosphere by living plants. This process is similar to people sweating. Also called evapotranspiration

Turbidity

The cloudy appearance of water caused by the presence of suspended and colloidal matter. In the waterworks field, a turbidity measurement is used to indicate the clarity of water. Technically, turbidity is an optical property of the water based on the amount of light reflected by suspended particles. Turbidity cannot be directly equated to suspended solids because white particles reflect more light than dark-coloured particles and many small particles will reflect more light than an equivalent large particle.

Tubercle

A crust of corrosion products (rust) that builds up over a pit caused by the loss of metal due to corrosion

Vortex

A revolving mass of water that forms a whirlpool. This whirlpool is caused by water flowing out of a small opening un the bottom of a basin or reservoir. A funnel-shaped opening is created downward from the water surface.

Water cycle

The process of evaporation of water into the air and its return to earth by precipitation (rain or snow). This process also includes transpiration from plants, groundwater movement, and runoff into rivers, streams, and the ocean. Also see hydrologic cycle.

Water table

The upper surface of the zone of saturation of groundwater in an unconfined aquifer

Why has it become necessary to conserve and properly budget our water sources?

Because water is a limited resource and it's sustainability is essential to the planet's survival

How are water shortages and energy consumption linked together?

As groundwater levels fall, more energy is required to pump water from deeper levels of the basin.

Why do many sources of water need treatment?

To remove contaminants and provide potable water to the end consumer

Name three ways groundwater may become contaminated?

Seawater contamination


Seepage from septic tank leeching systems


Agricultural drainage systems


Improper disposal of hazardous wastes in sanitary landfills and dumps


Surface runoff into poorly constructed wells

List the 2 major sources of water supplies.

Groundwater


Surface water

What is the water (hydrologic) cycle?

Is the natural movement of water through means of runoff, evaporation, transpiration, condensation and precipitation.

What are the general water quality characteristics of surface water supplies?

Low calcium and magnesium content (soft water)


Turbidity


Suspended solids


Some colour


Microbial contamination

What items should be considered before selecting a location and constructing a water supply intake located in a river or stream? (7)

Upstream pollution


River bottom scouring


Changing channels


Design of intake to withstand floods


Heavy silting


Ice


Adverse runoff



How can provisions be made to allow recreation on water supply lakes and reservoirs without endangering water quality?

Requires proper construction and location of:


Boat launching ramps


Boat harbours


Picnic and camping areas


Fishing


Open beach areas away from intake area


Wastewater collection, treatment and disposal facilities

What are the general water quality characteristics of ground water supplies?

High concentration of dissolved solids


Dissolved gases


Hard water


No suspended solids


No microbial contamination (usually)

What causes the flow of groundwater within an aquifer?

Difference in head (energy) between two locations (for example, a higher area of recharge and a lower area of recharge)

How can the sustained yield of an aquifer be exceeded?

By pumping at a rate that exceeds the rate of replacement.

List some of the possible uses of reclaimed wastewater?


Greenbelt (parks) areas


Golf course irrigation


Industrial reuse


Groundwater recharge (possible exception)


Landscape impoundments


Wetlands/marsh enhancement


How much treatment should reclaimed water receive before use?

Should be appropriate for the intended use. The greater the potential risk to the public, the more extensive the treatment needs to be according to the regulatory agency.

Why have water quality standards been prepared and used by the waterworks industry?

To provide quality control and ensure the acceptability of the product.

Drinking water quality standards can generally be categorized as being related either to _______ or _______.

Health or Aesthetics

MCL stands for what three words?

Maximum Contaminant Levels

Water quality is the general term used to describe which characteristics of a water supply (3)?

Composite chemical


physical


biological

A domestic water supply is considered to be of good quality when it meets what guidelines or criteria (4)?

Free of disease-causing organisms and toxic chemicals



Attractive in taste and appearance



Chemical composition produces no corrosive or scale-forming effects on water distribution system



Satisfies requirements of domestic and industrial consumers

What are the consequences of delivering poor quality water to the consumer(2)?

Not acceptable to consumer because of it's appearance or taste



Illness or death

What are trihalomethanes (THMs)?

Derivatives of methane CH4 in which three halogen atoms (chlorine or bromine) are substituted for three of the hydrogen atoms.



Often formed during chlorination by reactions with natural organic materials in the water.



The resulting compounds (THMs) are suspected of causing cancer.

What physical qualities of water are important to the consumers (6)?

Colour


Turbidity


Taste


Odour


Temperature


Macroscopic organisms

Where might contamination of water occur (4)?

At source of supply


Water treatment plant


Distribution system storage facilities


Water mains

How can water quality be degraded in the distribution system (9)?

Cross-connections


Corrosion


Biological growth and activity


High temperatures


Unusual flows


Time in system


Dead ends


Age of facilities


Operational procedures


Why are natural source waters never completely pure (9)?

During precipitation and their passage over or through the ground, they can acquire a wide variety of dissolved or suspended impurities









How can surface waters become contaminated or degraded?

Decaying vegetationMinerals in soilsWaste discharges and spillsRefuse disposalRecreationConstructionAnimal activitiesAlgae growth and weedsRadioactive fallout

How can groundwater become contaminated or degraded (8)?

Poorly constructed wells


Surface water moving above the groundwater table


Contaminants at or near the ground surface


Leaching from wastewater operations or disposals


Spills


Humic materials


Flood waters


Passage through mineralized formations


What problems can be created by improper chlorination in water treatment plants (3)?

Pathogenic organisms entering the distribution system



Formation of trihalomethanes



Tastes and odours

What is the most frequently reported cause of water-borne disease outbreaks in the United states?

Backflow of unacceptable substances through cross-connections to distribution systems

How can corrosion cause health problems?

Heart disease caused by elevated levels of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, asbestos and certain organic compounds found in water being served from distribution systems as a result of corrosive action.

Slime growths can cause what problems in distribution systems?

Tastes and odours


Accelerated corrosion


Reduced flow

Which form of chlorine is most effective against biofilms?

Chloramines

What impacts does water temperature have on distribution system water quality?

High temperatures tend to speed the rate of chemical reactions and increase biological growth rates.



Biological decomposition may be intensified by summer temperatures, and chlorine demand may be considerably greater so residuals will not carry as far in the distribution system in summer

What problems can be caused by low flows?

Changes in water velocity and flow reversals can result in sediments being stirred up and carried along until they reach the consumer



Low circulation and stagnant water can result in the growth of organisms, formation of sediment and corrosion products, depletion of oxygen, and increased tastes and odours



Turbulence can entrain air into the supply causing milky water

How is water affected by length of time it remains in a distribution system?

The longer water remains in the system, the more time is available for chemical and biological changes to take place

What problems can develop as transmission and storage facilities become older (3)?

More maintenance


Gradual deterioration in protection against corrosion can lead to water quality issues


Ruptures in pipes become more frequent

What problems can develop at the interface where distribution pipe and water meet?

Reduced flows permit greater chemical and biological activity at the interface where the pipe and water meet.

Why may chlorination treatment not be effective at the dead end of a water main?

Because of increased chlorine demand by organics, biological forms, and corrosion products

What is the major quality concern regarding coal tar-lined pipe or plastic pipe?

The possibility of leaching of material from the pipe or the lining by the water.

How can water be protected from contaminants that enter the system during construction of new mains and repair of old mains?

To ensure the safety of the delivered water, proper protective, cleaning, and disinfection practices must be followed.



When lines are being repaired, keep the hole dewatered to prevent possible contamination of the water line.



After repair, flush the line downstream.



After flushing, disinfect the line before being returned to service.

What is the purpose of air valves (or some form of air bleed valve)?

They are important to relieve entrapped air and to help prevent milky water and surge problems when lines are being filled.

What problem might result from hydrant testing and flushing programs?

Dirty water complaints

How can open reservoirs become contaminated?

Vandalism


Windblown and atmospheric contaminants


Animals including birds and rodents


Illegal bathing


Fishing

Why can a poorly constructed reservoir roof be worse than no roof at all in terms of contamination?

Bird droppings, dust and other materials that accumulate and roof gets washed into the reservoir.

What are some of the problems associated with below-ground reservoirs?

Subject to contamination by leaching through cracks in side walls



Nearby septic systems or wastewater facilities are of special concern



Susceptible to flooding by surface stormwater and windblown contamination



Easier to vandalize

Why should the water level in storage facilities not be allowed to get too low?

A vortex will be formed in the water being discharged.



Air may be entrained or materials that have settled ro the bottom of the reservoir may be stirred up and get into the mains and the customers' service lines.

Why is there a need for water system operators?

Needed to operate, maintain, repair, and manage water distribution systems, as well as interact with the public they serve.



Responsible to deliver safe and pleasant drinking water from their systems.



Responsible for the health and well-being of the community served by the water system

What influences the knowledge and skills operators are required to have for their jobs?

The size and type of water distribution system

Who hires water system operators (4)?

City


Water agency or district


Private utility company


Large industries that operate their own water system facilities

Why should water system operators discuss proposed facilities with engineers?

Your jobs is to discuss with the engineer how these new facilities could be operated, maintained, and repaired.



Make suggestions on how these jobs could be done more easily



Be sure there is adequate room for maintenance and repair equipment, even insuring adverse weather conditions

Why are adequate and reliable records very important?

Without adequate, reliable records of important phases of operation and maintenance, the effectiveness of your operation has not been documented (recorded).



Also, accurate records are required by regulatory agencies for compliance with the drinking water regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act

To whom might you have to explain the purpose and operation of your facilities?

Civic organizations


School classes


Representatives of news media


City council members or directors

Why is the appearance of pump stations and elevated tanks and the grounds around them important?

If facilities are run down and unkempt, you will be unable to convince the public that you are going a good job.

Why is safety important?

Work in traffic and excavating for the installation or repair of pipes can be extremely hazardous.



Explosive conditions can develop when painting the inside of an elevated tank if adequate ventilation is not provided



Most accidents result from carelessness or negligence.