AWWA (American Water Works
Association) Cross Connection Control
Specialist Exam 1
Questions and Answers
1. 1. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control
program?
A) To reduce water consumption
B) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply
C) To improve water pressure
D) To reduce water treatment costs: B) To prevent contamination of the potable water
supplyEx- planation: The main goal of a cross-connection control program is to protect the public
water system from potential contamination due to backflow.
2. 2. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent
backflow at a residential lawn irrigation system?
A) Installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
B) Installing a vacuum breaker
C) Installing a double-check valve
D) Installing a hose bib vacuum breaker: B) Installing a vacuum breaker
Explanation: For irrigation systems, a vacuum breaker is often used to prevent backflow of contaminants
,into the water supply when there is a drop in pressure.
3. 3. What does a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve do?
A) It allows for the flow of water in one direction only.
B) It reduces the pressure of the water before it enters the system.
C)It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both
backsiphonage and backpressure conditions.
D) It maintains a constant flow rate.: C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow
under both backsiphonage and backpressure conditions.Explanation: An RPZ valve is one of the most
reliable devices for backflow prevention, as it provides protection under both backsiphonage and
backpressure situations.
4. 4. Which of the following situations is an example of
backsiphonage?
A) A water main breaks and causes negative pressure in the system.
B) A booster pump causes a rise in system pressure.
C) A fire hydrant is used to fight a fire, and the pressure drops.
D) Both A and C.: D) Both A and C.
Explanation: Backsiphonage occurs when there is negative pressure in the system, which can pull
contaminants into the potable water supply, such as when a water main breaks or during the use of a
fire hydrant.
5. 5. What is the minimum testing frequency for backflow prevention
, devices in a high-hazard area?
A) Every 3 years
B) Annually
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 6 months: B) Annually
6. 6. What should be done if a backflow prevention device fails a test?
A) The device should be replaced immediately.
B) The device should be cleaned and re-tested.
C) The device should be repaired and re-tested.
D) The system should be shut down until the device passes a test.: C)
The device should be repaired and re-tested.
7. 7. What is the main difference between a double-check valve
assembly (DCVA) and a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
assembly?
A) DCVAs are more effective at preventing backflow than RPZs.
B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and
backpres- sure than DCVAs
.C) DCVAs are used for high-hazard areas, while RPZs are used in
low-hazard areas.
D) RPZs are only required for commercial installations, while DCVAs
are for residential use.: B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and
Association) Cross Connection Control
Specialist Exam 1
Questions and Answers
1. 1. What is the primary purpose of a cross-connection control
program?
A) To reduce water consumption
B) To prevent contamination of the potable water supply
C) To improve water pressure
D) To reduce water treatment costs: B) To prevent contamination of the potable water
supplyEx- planation: The main goal of a cross-connection control program is to protect the public
water system from potential contamination due to backflow.
2. 2. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent
backflow at a residential lawn irrigation system?
A) Installing a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
B) Installing a vacuum breaker
C) Installing a double-check valve
D) Installing a hose bib vacuum breaker: B) Installing a vacuum breaker
Explanation: For irrigation systems, a vacuum breaker is often used to prevent backflow of contaminants
,into the water supply when there is a drop in pressure.
3. 3. What does a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve do?
A) It allows for the flow of water in one direction only.
B) It reduces the pressure of the water before it enters the system.
C)It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow under both
backsiphonage and backpressure conditions.
D) It maintains a constant flow rate.: C) It maintains water pressure to prevent backflow
under both backsiphonage and backpressure conditions.Explanation: An RPZ valve is one of the most
reliable devices for backflow prevention, as it provides protection under both backsiphonage and
backpressure situations.
4. 4. Which of the following situations is an example of
backsiphonage?
A) A water main breaks and causes negative pressure in the system.
B) A booster pump causes a rise in system pressure.
C) A fire hydrant is used to fight a fire, and the pressure drops.
D) Both A and C.: D) Both A and C.
Explanation: Backsiphonage occurs when there is negative pressure in the system, which can pull
contaminants into the potable water supply, such as when a water main breaks or during the use of a
fire hydrant.
5. 5. What is the minimum testing frequency for backflow prevention
, devices in a high-hazard area?
A) Every 3 years
B) Annually
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 6 months: B) Annually
6. 6. What should be done if a backflow prevention device fails a test?
A) The device should be replaced immediately.
B) The device should be cleaned and re-tested.
C) The device should be repaired and re-tested.
D) The system should be shut down until the device passes a test.: C)
The device should be repaired and re-tested.
7. 7. What is the main difference between a double-check valve
assembly (DCVA) and a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve
assembly?
A) DCVAs are more effective at preventing backflow than RPZs.
B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and
backpres- sure than DCVAs
.C) DCVAs are used for high-hazard areas, while RPZs are used in
low-hazard areas.
D) RPZs are only required for commercial installations, while DCVAs
are for residential use.: B) RPZs provide more protection against both backsiphonage and
