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WATER DISTRIBUTION Solved, Explained,

and Applied

Problems in

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

WATER DISTRIBUTION Solved, Explained,

and Applied

Problems in

Y. Koby Cohen

CRC PR E S S
Boca Raton London New York Washington, D.C.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Cohen, Y. Koby. Problems in water distribution : solved, explained, and applied / by Y. Koby Cohen. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 1-58716-095-1 (alk. paper) 1. Water--Distribution--Problems, exercises, etc. 2. Water quality management--Problems, exercises, etc. I. Title. TD481 .C65 2002 628.1076--dc21

2002017436

This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted material is quoted with permission, and sources are indicated. A wide variety of references are listed. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and the publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or for the consequences of their use. Neither this book nor any part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microlming, and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The consent of CRC Press LLC does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specic permission must be obtained in writing from CRC Press LLC for such copying. Direct all inquiries to CRC Press LLC, 2000 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida 33431. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identication and explanation, without intent to infringe.

Visit the CRC Press Web site at www.crcpress.com

2002 by CRC Press LLC No claim to original U.S. Government works International Standard Book Number 1-58716-095-1 Library of Congress Card Number 2002017436 Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Printed on acid-free paper

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

Dedication
To my grandmother and parents for their guidance And to my wife and two boys for their love and support.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

Preface
Over the past 3 years I have taken 12 certication exams related to the operation of drinking water treatment and distribution systems. To prepare for these exams I used many books in different formats: theory, applications, summaries, handbooks, study guides, outlines, practice exams, manuals, and standards. However, the books that I found most useful (and that were also recommended by others) were the ones that had numerous problems and solutions and practice exams. Solving problems and immediately nding out if my answers were right or wrong helped me understand what the questions really asked, helped avoid falling into wording traps, and tested my specic subject knowledge. In addition, these types of books present a brief summary of a subject without long explanations and detailed theory. In this book readers will nd discussion and explanations of mathematical problems, detailed steps for solving different types of knowledge problems, hints and examples of how the problems are applied in the eld, plenty of multiple-choice problems with detailed solutions, and multiple-choice practice exams. Over 300 problems in this book provide ample opportunities to practice a variety of water distribution system and treatment-related math and knowledge problems. The primary goal of this book is to serve as a study guide for the Water Distribution System and Treatment certication exams. However, it has evolved into a more comprehensive book that can also be used in a classroom setting, as a supplement to class material, as a self-study guide, as last minute practice material, and as a quick reference for common water distribution system and treatment problems that operators encounter on a day-to-day basis. Overall, I believe that this book presents the fundamentals that a water distribution system operator needs to know and that it can serve as a foundation upon which more knowledge can be built. I also believe that this book can be successfully used as an exam preparation tool by all levels of operators and as a reference book throughout the distribution system operators career. I am condent that readers will enjoy the format of the book and nd the problems challenging. Good luck on the exam and remember, Luck prefers the prepared mind; so be prepared! Y. Koby Cohen, P.E. Culver City, California

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

Acknowledgments
I thank all the people who helped me through my education and career to get to this point: specically my college professors Don Wells, of the California State Polytechnic, Pomona, and Menachem Elimelech of the University of California, Los Angeles; my rst supervisor, Jeff Stone; and others from the California Department of Health Services. I gratefully acknowledge the help and support from my co-workers and supervisors at Southern California Water Company. Specically, I thank Denise Kruger, Vice President of Quality Assurance, who encouraged me to obtain the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and DOHS certications, without which I would not have embarked on this bookwriting endeavor. I also thank Thomas L. Cherry, the Southwest District Manager, who supports my professional development as well as some sophisticated distribution system operational and research projects. And, last but not least, I thank William Gedney, Water Quality and Environmental Manager, who in addition to being my mentor, also supported this project by reviewing and providing comments to some of the chapters.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

The Author
Y. Koby Cohen currently works as a water quality engineer for Southern California Water Company, where among his many duties he is responsible for maintaining distribution system water quality and developing treatment and distribution system operation and monitoring plans. He also teaches at the American Water Works Association (AWWA) CaliforniaNevada Section Water College and at Southern California Water Company Employee Development University. Before coming to Southern California Water Company, Mr. Cohen spent 4 years as a sanitary engineer at the State of California Department of Health Services, Ofce of Drinking Water. He holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and a masters degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is licensed as a professional engineer in California and holds the California State Water Distribution System Operator Grade V and Treatment Operator Grade V certicates. He also holds AWWA Distribution System Operator Grade IV, Backow Device Tester, and Cross Connection Specialist certicates. Mr. Cohen has 8 years experience in distribution system water quality compliance, monitoring, operation, and research. He frequently gives presentations at technical conferences and seminars and his articles and technical papers have been published in AWWA Opow Magazine for operators and various AWWA conference proceedings.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

Introduction
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CERTIFICATION
Based on regulations stipulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act, all states must establish distribution system operator certication programs. Although some states already have some type of certication program, these programs may need to be changed to meet the current USEPA minimum requirements. The USEPA requirements for distribution system operator certication are designed to protect the public health by ensuring that qualied personnel operate water systems. Therefore, water system distribution operators are now required by state agencies to be certied. There are other reasons to become a certied distribution system operator: Your employer requires it. It will help you gain promotion within your organization. It adds value to your experience and education. It can help advance your career in the water industry.

HOW TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION

Certication is offered in all states; however, the certication process, qualications, fees, and examination schedule vary from state to state. To nd out about specic state requirements, it is best to contact the state agency directly. A list of state agency phone numbers and Web addresses is provided in Appendix F of this book. In general, certication is offered in several grades, with each consecutive grade requiring more education and experience to qualify. In California, for example, no education or experience requirements are needed to qualify for Grade I Distribution System Operator. However, to qualify for a Grade II, the operator must complete one course of specialized training in water supply principles.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM

The exam format may change from state to state and the level of difculty increase, as the grade level rises. For example, a Grade II Certication exam will require more education units and experience than a Grade I Certication exam and less than a Grade III Certication exam. The topics covered in the exam also may vary from state to state. Each state will emphasize different topics based on the type of systems that are used in the state. In general, most exams cover the following topics: Distribution system math problems This category includes mathematical calculations such as conversions, pressure, ow, velocity, and chemical dosages. Distribution system knowledge This category includes knowledge of various components of distribution system facilities such as pipes, wells, reservoirs, meters, re hydrants, pumps, and motors. Water quality knowledge This category includes knowledge of subjects such as water quality, water samplings, regulations, and an understanding of simple chemical processes.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

 Federal regulations This category includes knowledge of distribution system-related federal regulations. Safety practices This category includes knowledge of subjects such as working with hazardous chemicals, re safety, conned space entry, shoring and trenching, trafc safety, and rst aid. Operation and maintenance procedures This category includes knowledge of operation and maintenance of distribution system facilities including items such as meters, re hydrants, pump and motors, wells, and reservoirs. The states may choose to cover additional topics and will provide detailed lists of subjects and topics that are covered in each exam upon request. Some states will also provide examples of problems given in past exams.

CERTIFICATION EXAM PROBLEMS

The exam problems will differ from state to state; however, most states offer multiple-choice exams for the lower grade levels. Some states may require, in addition to the multiple-choice exam, oral and/or written exams. Some of the possible problem formats of the multiple-choice questions are as follows: Applied mathematical problems: A situation that requires a mathematical solution is presented.
Example: Based on your measurements, the maximum ow out of a 1/4 -in. pipe of chemical pump efuent is 24.5 gpd. What is the ow in ml/min?

Mathematical theory problems: A question related to a specic mathematical equation.

Example: If you double the diameter of a pipe while keeping the velocity constant at 5 ft/sec, what will the ow in the new pipe be?

General knowledge questions: The question asks for information related to a general category of objects/material.
Example: Which are the most widely used categories to classify the working pressure of pipe?

Specic knowledge questions: The question asks about a specic mechanism or category of information.
Example: What principle does an ultrasonic meter use to register the volume of water used?

Situation questions: The question presents a situation that needs to be solved based on operator experience and knowledge.
Example: During inspection of a booster pump you notice that the pump is vibrating excessively. Which operating or mechanical conditions will cause this vibration?

Statement questions: A question that asks, Which of the following statements is true?
Example: Which of the following conversion units is correct?

Fill-in-the-blank questions: A statement is made and can be correct only if the blanks are lled correctly.
Example: The hydrologic cycle is natures way to purify water. Water is transferred from the water surface to the clouds by a process called evaporation, and returns to the surface by a process called precipitation.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

Simple, battery-operated calculators are usually allowed in the exam; however, no books are allowed. Some states provide a sheet with common conversion units and area, volume, ow, and dosage formulas. When contacting the state certication agency, request a copy of that sheet if it is available.

PRIOR TO TAKING THE EXAM

The following are some suggestions and recommendations the will help prepare for the exam and alleviate anxiety and surprises on exam day: When applying for the exam, make a copy of the complete application package, and send the application by certied mail with a return receipt request. Start studying for the exam as soon as possible; last minute studying usually increases exam day anxiety and feelings of unpreparedness. Talk to operators who have already taken the exam. They probably will be able to recommend a good study book or a helpful class to take prior to the exam. Take 2 or 3 days off prior to the exam if possible. Go over the subject list provided by the state and make sure you have covered all the topics. On the day before the exam, make sure you know the exam site, mark it on a map if necessary, ll up your car with gas, and make arrangements for dropping off or picking up children. Do not try to cram on the last night before the exam. Instead, prepare a bag with light lunch, snacks, drinks (water is best), calculator, spare batteries, No. 2 pencil, straightedge ruler, glasses (if you need them), money for parking, your admission notice, and a copy of your application. Try to get a good nights sleep.

TAKING THE EXAM

Here are some hints that will help you during the exam: Read the question carefully and evaluate your ability to solve it. If you think that it can be solved in less than 3 minutes, solve it. If not, mark it with a star and continue to the next. The problems are not organized in an increasing order of difculty. Several times I found that the last ten questions were the easiest. If you decide to solve the question, underline or write down important information. Watch for such words and phrases as equal to, is, in addition, half, the same, nd, etc. If it is a multiple-choice math problem, follow all the steps as outlined in this book. This may take a bit more time, but it will help you achieve the correct answer. Also, if you have time to go back and check your answers, you can just retrace your steps instead of re-solving the question. If it is a written math problem, you must show all work to get full credit. Writing down all steps as outlined in this book may earn you partial credit, even if your nal answer is wrong. Always box or underline your nal answer. If it is a written knowledge question, write as much as possible about the subject; then, if you have time, go back and review it again. There is a good possibility that if you look at it again you will have something to add. Mark the answer on the sheet provided and make sure that the mark is lined up with the question number (very important as most exams are now graded by machine).

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

 After completing all the questions you have worked on, go back and solve the questions marked with a star. If it takes you more than 5 minutes to solve a question, mark it with an X and move on to the next one. If you have more than 30 minutes left, go back to the problems marked with an X and attempt to solve them. In the last 30 minutes, go quickly over all problems and make sure the answers are marked correctly, and that the marks are aligned with the question numbers. If unsure about an answer, it is best to stay with your rst choice rather than change it. In the last 10 minutes, stop whatever you are doing and check your answer sheet. Make sure that all the information is complete (name, ID number, etc.) and that all questions are correctly marked with an answer. If not, you may guess. Try to eliminate the answers that you are certain are incorrect and guess between the ones that are left. If you have no idea about the answer, the best way to guess is by choosing a letter or a number, and using that letter or number for all guesses. For example, in a four-choice test if you choose to guess with the letter C, and you have 12 unanswered questions, you will probably have 25% or 3 of the answers marked correctly. If you just guess randomly, you may have all 12 questions wrong.

RESOURCES
Use all references and available resources as much as possible. Talk to peers, attend conferences and seminars, and join professional and water-related organizations. The more you make use of the available resources, the better prepared you will be on exam day. Lists of references and waterrelated organizations are included in Appendices D and E. Also, check with local colleges and water organizations; they may offer the courses that you will need to qualify for the exam, or preparation courses for review of the material covered in the certication exam.

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC

Contents
Chapter 1 Basic Math for the Distribution System Operator Signicant Figures Procedures for Determining the Number of Signicant Figures Signicant Figures Practice Problems Rounding Numbers Procedures for Rounding Numbers Rounding Numbers Practice Problems Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Addition Practice Problems Subtraction Practice Problems Multiplication Practice Problems Division Practice Problems Basic Distribution System Problems and Solutions Type A Unit Conversion Problems Procedures for Solving Unit Conversion Problems Type B Quantity Problems Procedures for Solving Quantity Problems Type C Percent Problems Procedures for Solving Percent Problems Type D Arithmetic Average Problems Procedures for Solving Arithmetic Average Problems Chapter 2 Advanced Math for the Distribution System Operator Type E Pressure and Elevation Head Problems Procedures for Solving Pressure/Elevation Head Problems Type F Velocity and Flow Problems Procedures for Solving Velocity/Flow Problems Type G Blending/Mixing Problems Procedures for Solving Blending/Mixing Problems Type H Chemical Amount and Application Rate Problems Procedures for Solving Chemical Amount and Application Rate Problems Chapter 3 Unit Conversion Problems Unit Conversion Problems and Solutions Unit Conversion Practice Exam Chapter 4 Distribution Math Problems Part 1 Type B, C, and D Problems and Solutions Distribution Math Problems, Part 1 Practice Exam

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Chapter 5 Distribution Math Problems Part 2 Type E through H Problems and Solutions Distribution Math Problems, Part 2 Practice Exam Chapter 6 Distribution Knowledge Problems Distribution Knowledge Problems and Solutions Distribution Knowledge Problems Practice Exam Chapter 7 Water Quality Knowledge Problems Water Quality Knowledge Problems and Solutions Water Quality Knowledge Practice Exam Chapter 8 Federal Regulations Federal Regulations Problems and Solutions Federal Regulations Practice Exam Chapter 9 Safety Knowledge Problems Safety Knowledge Problems and Solutions Safety Knowledge Practice Test Chapter 10 Operation and Maintenance Problems Operation and Maintenance Problems and Solutions Operation and Maintenance Practice Test Appendix A Abbreviations Metric Symbols and Multiplication Factors Appendix B Conversions Length Conversions Area Conversions Volume Conversions Flow Conversions Weight Conversions Pressure Conversions Appendix C Formulas Area Formulas Volume Formulas

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2002 by CRC Press LLC

Appendix D References AWWA Manuals AWWA Standards Monographs Appendix E Water Industry Organizations Appendix F State Drinking Water Programs Appendix G Common Chemicals Used for Water Treatment Appendix H Solutions to Problems

SOFTbank E-Book Center Tehran, Phone: 66403879,66493070 For Educational Use.

2002 by CRC Press LLC