UMC Operations and Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a SCADA system in utility operations?
- Scheduling employee shifts
- Remote monitoring and control of infrastructure (Correct answer)
- Billing customers for usage
- Managing procurement contracts
Correct answer: Remote monitoring and control of infrastructure
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems allow operators to remotely monitor and control utility infrastructure such as pumps, valves, and treatment processes.
Question 2: Which maintenance strategy involves replacing components at fixed time intervals regardless of condition?
- Predictive maintenance
- Corrective maintenance
- Preventive maintenance (Correct answer)
- Condition-based maintenance
Correct answer: Preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance replaces or services components on a scheduled basis to prevent failures before they occur, regardless of current condition.
Question 3: A utility operator notices increased vibration in a pump. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Increase pump speed to clear the blockage
- Document and investigate the cause before operating further (Correct answer)
- Ignore it until the next scheduled maintenance
- Replace the pump immediately without investigation
Correct answer: Document and investigate the cause before operating further
Unusual vibration can indicate misalignment, cavitation, or bearing failure; documenting and investigating protects both equipment and operators.
Question 4: What does the term 'infiltration' mean in the context of wastewater collection systems?
- Chemical dosing into sewage lines
- Groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks or joints (Correct answer)
- Stormwater intentionally routed into sanitary sewers
- Wastewater leaking out of collection mains
Correct answer: Groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks or joints
Infiltration is the entry of groundwater into sewer pipelines through defects, increasing flow volumes and treatment costs.
Question 5: Which chemical is most commonly used for primary disinfection in drinking water treatment?
- Sulfuric acid
- Sodium fluoride
- Chlorine (Correct answer)
- Potassium permanganate
Correct answer: Chlorine
Chlorine is the most widely used primary disinfectant in drinking water treatment due to its effectiveness and residual protection.
Question 6: What is the function of a check valve in a water distribution system?
- Regulate flow rate
- Prevent backflow (Correct answer)
- Measure pressure
- Filter particulates
Correct answer: Prevent backflow
Check valves allow flow in only one direction, preventing backflow that could contaminate the distribution system.
Question 7: Which regulatory standard sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for public drinking water systems in the US?
- Clean Air Act
- Safe Drinking Water Act (Correct answer)
- Clean Water Act
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Correct answer: Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) authorizes the EPA to set MCLs and treatment techniques for public water systems.
UMC Operations and Maintenance 2
What is the primary purpose of a SCADA system in utility operations?