Question 1

The primary source of pollution of streams today is industrial sources.

Accepted Answer

While industrial sources of pollution can still be a significant issue, the primary source of pollution in streams and waterways has shifted in recent years to non-point sources such as agricultural runoff, stormwater runoff from urban areas, and failing septic systems.

Question 2

The Safe Drinking Water Act establishes drinking water standards that are applicable to

Accepted Answer

The Safe Drinking Water Act applies to municipal water supply systems that serve at least 25 people year-round or at least 15 service connections. It does not regulate private wells or bottled water, unless they are part of a municipal system.

Question 3

The goals of the FWPCA were to make all waters in the U. S. capable of sustaining fishing and swimming, and to totally eliminate pollutant discharges into navigable waters.

Accepted Answer

The goals of the FWPCA (Federal Water Pollution Control Act) were to make all waters in the U.S. capable of sustaining fishing and swimming, and to eliminate pollutant discharges into navigable waters to the extent technologically and economically feasible.

Question 4

Ground water pollution is not a real problem because there is so much of it that it does not matter if we cannot use a little of it.

Accepted Answer

Groundwater pollution is a real problem as it can cause harm to human health and the environment. Even though there may be a lot of groundwater, it is not infinite and can eventually become unusable if it is polluted. Additionally, some areas may rely heavily on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, making pollution a significant concern.

Question 5

Potential sources of contamination of groundwater do not include:

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed are potential sources of contamination of groundwater, meaning that none of them are excluded as potential sources.

Question 6

Point source pollutants are controlled under the FWPCA by a system of discharge permits that limit the amount of particular effluents that a plant can discharge into the water.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes how point source pollutants are regulated under the FWPCA. Discharge permits are a key tool used to limit the amount and types of pollutants that can be released into bodies of water from specific sources, such as industrial facilities and sewage treatment plants. These permits establish discharge limits and other requirements that must be met to ensure that water quality standards are maintained and protected.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a waterborne disease?

Accepted Answer

All options listed (cholera, typhoid fever, and shigellosis) are waterborne diseases, so the correct answer is D (none of the above).

Question 8

Dischargers of conventional pollutants must meet

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dischargers of conventional pollutants must meet
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Question 9

The MCL for drinking water

Accepted Answer

The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and takes into account the feasibility of attaining the standard, including factors like the capability of water systems to detect and remove contaminants and the cost of treatment.

Question 10

BOD:

Accepted Answer

The answer of BOD:
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Question 11

Nonpoint source pollution

Accepted Answer

The answer of Nonpoint source pollution
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Question 12

When states are designating streams and lakes for uses, the waterways that must become the cleanest are those designated for

Accepted Answer

The answer of When states are designating streams and lakes...

Question 13

Nutrients are important to the health of a body of water and increase vegetation growth, thereby improving the quality of the water.

Accepted Answer

While nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic plants and algae, excessive nutrients can lead to overgrowth, causing harmful algal blooms and depleting oxygen in the water, which can harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.

Question 14

Which of the following was not one of the early acts designed to protect the water quality?

Accepted Answer

All the listed acts (A, B, and C) were early legislative efforts aimed at protecting water quality in various ways, indicating that none of the options provided is an example of an act not designed to protect water quality.

Question 15

Under appropriative rights, the right to use the water is established by actual consumptive use of the water.

Accepted Answer

Under appropriative rights, the right to use water is established by actual consumptive use of the water. This means that those who have historically used the water for a beneficial purpose are granted the right to continue using it.

Question 16

Pollution from nonpoint sources is easier to control than pollution from point sources because it's difficult to convince polluters to purchase and install expensive pollution control devices.

Accepted Answer

Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources such as agricultural or urban runoff, making it difficult to control because it's not always clear where the pollution is coming from. Point source pollution, on the other hand, comes from specific, identifiable sources such as factories or wastewater treatment plants, making it easier to regulate and control through the use of pollution control devices.

Question 17

Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, the amount of emissions allowed by a permit are determined by the type of pollutant, the type of discharger, and whether the source is existing or new.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System sets limits on the amount of pollutants that can be discharged by facilities, and these limits are determined by various factors including the type of pollutant, the type of facility, and whether the facility is an existing or new source.

Question 18

The technology-based standard for toxic water pollutants is

Accepted Answer

The Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (B.A.T.) is the technology-based standard for toxic water pollutants. It represents the best available technology and is economically viable. This standard sets limits for the amount of toxic pollutants that can be discharged into the environment by industries and businesses.

Question 19

Groundwater is the source of domestic drinking water for only a tiny fraction of the population.

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, about 132 million Americans get their drinking water from groundwater sources, which is about 42% of the population. Therefore, groundwater is the source of domestic drinking water for a significant portion of the population, not just a tiny fraction.

Question 20

Enforcement of the NPDES of the Clean Water Act is difficult because the only penalties that may be assessed under the Act are civil fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Water Act allows for both civil and criminal penalties, and the maximum fines have been increased from the stated amount, reflecting adjustments for inflation and amendments to the Act over time.

Quiz 6: Water-Quality Control