CES Water Quality & Watershed Management

Question 1

What is the primary federal law governing water quality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Clean Water Act (CWA)

Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer

National Environmental Policy Act

Answer

Water Resources Development Act

Question 2

What is a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)?

Accepted Answer

The maximum amount of a pollutant a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards

Answer

The total amount of water a treatment plant can process daily

Answer

The maximum daily water usage allowed per household

Answer

The total weight of sediment in a river per day

Question 3

What is the difference between point source and nonpoint source water pollution?

Accepted Answer

Point sources discharge from identifiable locations (pipes, outfalls); nonpoint sources come from diffuse areas (runoff, atmospheric deposition)

Answer

Point sources are natural; nonpoint sources are man-made

Answer

Point sources affect groundwater; nonpoint sources affect surface water

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between the two

Question 4

What does BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measure in water quality assessment?

Accepted Answer

The amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water

Answer

The total number of bacteria in a water sample

Answer

The pH level of the water

Answer

The concentration of heavy metals in water

Question 5

What is a riparian buffer zone and why is it important for water quality?

Accepted Answer

A vegetated area along waterways that filters pollutants, stabilizes banks, and provides wildlife habitat

Answer

An underwater structure that slows water flow

Answer

A concrete channel that directs stormwater

Answer

A fence that prevents livestock from entering waterways

Question 6

What is eutrophication and what causes it?

Accepted Answer

Excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion

Answer

The natural aging process of all water bodies over geological time

Answer

Contamination of water with heavy metals from industrial discharge

Answer

Salinization of freshwater bodies due to evaporation