Certification Action Line features questions and answers typical of those appearing in Water Quality Association (WQA) certification examinations. Some answers may not satisfy everyone or every condition.
1. Important natural process(es) that contribute chemicals to water is (are):
a) evaporation
b) soil leaching
c) weathering
d) capillary action
e) b and c
2. Factor(s) that control both the release of trace elements from rock and soil and their solution and stability in water is (are):
a) solubility
b) pH
c) adsorption characteristics
d) all of the above
3. Decaying vegetation can affect the concentration of chemicals in water.
a) True
b) False
4. Surface waters (inland rivers, lakes and streams) generally contain (a) more or (b) less dissolved solids and are (c) harder or (d) softer than groundwaters.
5. Hardness and dissolved solids in surface waters are usually highest or more concentrated during periods of (a) high or (b) low stream discharge.
6. The following chemical element(s), which can be found in drinking water, is/are essential to human health:
a) sodium
b) copper
c) arsenic
d) tin
e) all of the above
7. Will people be deprived of a primary source of minerals necessary to good health in drinking water treated by distillation, reverse osmosis or deionization?
a) Yes
b) No
8. Lead, mercury and cadmium can be beneficial in drinking water.
a) True
b) False
9. EPA has established drinking water regulations and health advisors for more than _______ organic compounds in drinking water.
a) 50
b) 100
c) 150
d) 500
10. The essential first step in solving a water quality problem is to:
a) boil the water
b) filter the water
c) obtain a reliable water sample and analysis
