CIT Hydraulics & Water Management 2

Question 1

The soil infiltration rate determines:

Accepted Answer

The maximum rate at which water can be applied without causing surface runoff

Answer

How much electricity the pump uses

Answer

The color of the irrigation pipe needed

Answer

The number of zones on the controller

Question 2

When designing a drip irrigation zone, the maximum recommended run length (from the supply point to the last emitter) is limited primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Pressure loss due to friction, which causes the last emitters to deliver significantly less water than the first emitters if the run is too long

Answer

The color of the tubing

Answer

The manufacturer's warranty terms

Answer

The controller's zone capacity

Question 3

A water audit reveals that an irrigation system is applying 1.5 inches of water per week to a turf area, but the turf's evapotranspiration (ET) rate is only 1.0 inch per week. This situation indicates:

Accepted Answer

The system is overwatering by 50%, wasting 0.5 inches per week that the plant cannot use and which may cause disease, runoff, or deep percolation loss

Answer

The system is performing optimally

Answer

The system needs more sprinkler heads

Answer

The turf needs to be replaced with drought-tolerant species

Question 4

What is the 'available water capacity' (AWC) of soil in the context of irrigation?

Accepted Answer

The amount of water held in the soil between field capacity and permanent wilting point that is available for plant uptake

Answer

The total volume of water a pipe can carry

Answer

The flow rate from the municipal water supply

Answer

The volume of a catch can during an irrigation audit

Question 5

A pressure-compensating emitter in a drip irrigation system is designed to:

Accepted Answer

Deliver a consistent flow rate across a range of inlet pressures, maintaining uniform application despite pressure variations

Answer

Increase pressure at the end of long runs

Answer

Reduce the total water consumption of the system

Answer

Filter debris before it enters the emitter

Question 6

A reclaimed water (purple pipe) irrigation system requires which special considerations compared to a potable water system?

Accepted Answer

Purple-colored pipe and components, signage, no cross-connections with potable water, typically no overhead spray in some jurisdictions, and health department permits

Answer

No special considerations are needed

Answer

Only the use of a different controller brand

Answer

Only a different type of sprinkler head