Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering MCQs (Part-1)
Which pipe is most commonly used for water distribution systems?
A Steel pipe
B PVC pipe
C Concrete pipe
D Cast iron pipe
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes are commonly used for water distribution systems due to their durability, cost‐effectiveness, and ease of installation. They are resistant to corrosion and are lightweight compared to other materials like steel or concrete pipes.
What is the main purpose of a water treatment plant?
A To pump water
B To distribute water
C To treat water
D To store water
A water treatment plant’s primary purpose is to remove contaminants and impurities from raw water, making it safe for human consumption. This process involves filtration, coagulation, disinfection, and other treatment techniques to ensure water quality.
What is the purpose of coagulation in water treatment?
A To remove suspended particles
B To filter water
C To remove bacteria
D To increase pH
Coagulation is a water treatment process where chemicals are added to bind together small particles, causing them to clump and form larger aggregates called flocs. These flocs are then removed in the sedimentation process.
Which of the following methods is used for water disinfection?
A Sedimentation
B Filtration
C Coagulation
D Chlorination
Chlorination is a common method of disinfection in water treatment. It involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water to kill or deactivate harmful microorganisms, ensuring the water is safe for consumption.
What is reverse osmosis used for in water treatment?
A Removing salts and impurities
B Softening water
C Filtering large particles
D Removing bacteria
Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that removes dissolved salts, minerals, and impurities by forcing water through a semi‐permeable membrane. This method is particularly effective in desalinating water.
What is the primary function of a sewer system?
A Pump water
B Collect wastewater
C Filter water
D Distribute water
The primary function of a sewer system is to collect and transport wastewater from homes, businesses, and industrial facilities to a treatment plant or other disposal system. It ensures proper sanitation and prevents contamination.
Which type of water system is used for stormwater management?
A Greywater recycling system
B Potable water distribution system
C Combined sewer system
D Wastewater collection system
A combined sewer system collects both stormwater and wastewater in the same pipes. These systems are common in older cities but can lead to overflow problems during heavy rain, requiring advanced treatment or storage solutions.
What is anaerobic digestion used for in wastewater treatment?
A Reducing turbidity
B Removing nitrogen
C Filtering solids
D Producing biogas
Anaerobic digestion is a process in wastewater treatment where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas. This process reduces sludge volume and generates renewable energy.
What is greywater?
A Water that has been filtered
B Water from sinks, showers, and laundry
C Water used for irrigation
D Water from toilets
Greywater is the wastewater generated from domestic activities like washing dishes, showers, and laundry. It can be treated and reused for non‐potable purposes, such as irrigation, reducing water demand.
What does a water distribution system do?
A Stores water
B Collects wastewater
C Distributes treated water
D Filters water
A water distribution system is designed to transport treated water from a water treatment plant to homes, industries, and other consumers. It ensures that clean, potable water is available for daily use.
Which parameter is used to measure the clarity of water?
A Turbidity
B Hardness
C pH
D Alkalinity
Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles. It is measured to assess water quality. High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of contaminants that need to be removed during treatment.
What is the purpose of sedimentation in water treatment?
A To remove dissolved substances
B To soften water
C To add disinfectants
D To separate large particles
Sedimentation is a process in which water is allowed to stand still, and heavier particles settle to the bottom due to gravity. It helps remove larger particles before further filtration or chemical treatment.
Which of the following is a method of wastewater reuse?
A Filtration
B Irrigation
C Reverse osmosis
D Distillation
Wastewater reuse involves treating wastewater to a level where it can be safely reused for purposes such as irrigation. This process helps conserve water and is widely practiced in areas with water scarcity.
Which of the following is a common material used for sewer pipes?
A PVC
B Iron
C Copper
D Wood
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is commonly used in sewer systems due to its resistance to corrosion, strength, and cost‐effectiveness. It is widely used for both residential and industrial wastewater pipelines.
What is the main concern with combined sewer overflows (CSOs)?
A Insufficient filtration
B High energy use
C Overflow during rain
D Wastewater contamination
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the capacity of the sewer system, causing untreated wastewater to overflow into rivers or streets. This can lead to pollution and public health hazards.