Question 1

What is potable water?

Accepted Answer

Water safe for human consumption. Potable (or wholesome) water is water that is safe for drinking and domestic use. It has been treated to meet drinking water standards.

Question 2

Where does potable water come from?

Accepted Answer

Treated sources such as reservoirs or groundwater. Potable water comes from treated sources  -  reservoirs, rivers, or groundwater  -  processed at treatment works before distribution.

Question 3

What is another term for potable water?

Accepted Answer

Wholesome water. Potable water is also called wholesome water  -  water that meets drinking water standards.

Question 4

Why must potable water be protected?

Accepted Answer

To prevent illness and comply with regulations. Contaminated water causes serious illness  -  gastrointestinal disease, Legionnaires' disease, chemical poisoning  -  and breaches water regulations.

Question 5

What is hard water?

Accepted Answer

Water with high mineral content. Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. It causes limescale build-up in pipes, cylinders, and appliances.

Question 6

What problem does hard water cause in heating systems?

Accepted Answer

Limescale build-up reducing efficiency and lifespan. Hard water deposits limescale inside pipes, heat exchangers, and cylinders, insulating them and reducing heat transfer efficiency.

Question 7

Where in the UK is hard water most common?

Accepted Answer

Southern and eastern England. Southern and eastern England have predominantly hard water due to the chalk and limestone geology.

Question 8

What is the communication pipe?

Accepted Answer

The pipe from the water main to the property boundary. The communication pipe runs from the water main under the road to the property boundary. It is owned by the water company.

Question 9

What is the service pipe?

Accepted Answer

The pipe from the property boundary into the building. The service pipe runs from the boundary into the building. It is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain.

Question 10

Who is responsible for maintaining the service pipe?

Accepted Answer

The homeowner. The service pipe (from boundary to building) is the homeowner's responsibility. The communication pipe (main to boundary) is the water company's.

Question 11

Where is the external stop valve typically located?

Accepted Answer

At or near the property boundary. The external stop valve is at or near the boundary, usually under a small metal or plastic cover in the pavement.

Question 12

Where is the internal stop valve usually found?

Accepted Answer

Under the kitchen sink. The internal stop valve is typically under the kitchen sink. It allows the occupant to shut off the supply for maintenance.

Free cold water systems exam questions

1. What is potable water?

2. Where does potable water come from?

3. What is another term for potable water?

4. Why must potable water be protected?

5. What is hard water?

6. What problem does hard water cause in heating systems?

7. Where in the UK is hard water most common?

8. What is the communication pipe?

9. What is the service pipe?

10. Who is responsible for maintaining the service pipe?

11. Where is the external stop valve typically located?

12. Where is the internal stop valve usually found?

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