Question 1

Temporary hardness of water can be removed by simple boiling. Which one of the following causes of hardness is eliminated by boiling?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Hardness in water arises mainly from dissolved calcium and magnesium salts. Temporary hardness (bicarbonates) can be removed by boiling, while permanent hardness (sulphates, chlorides, nitrates) requires chemical softening or ion exchange. Given Data / Assumptions: Boiling is a physical treatment that decomposes bicarbonates. No chemical reagents are added. Concept / Approach: Boiling converts bicarbonates to carbonates, releasing carbon dioxide and precipitating calcium carbonate. Hence, calcium bicarbonate is removed by boiling (temporary hardness). Sulphates and nitrates of calcium and magnesium are not removed by mere boiling and represent permanent hardness. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the species responsible for temporary hardness: Ca(HCO3)2 and Mg(HCO3)2.Recognize boiling reaction: bicarbonate → carbonate + CO2 + H2O, precipitating CaCO3.Select the correct species removed by boiling: Calcium bicarbonate. Verification / Alternative check: Textbook water chemistry confirms that only bicarbonate hardness is temporary and treatable by boiling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Calcium sulphate / Magnesium sulphate / Calcium nitrate: Permanent hardness, not removed by boiling. None of these: Incorrect because calcium bicarbonate is removable by boiling. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all hardness can be boiled out; only temporary hardness is affected. Final Answer: Calcium bicarbonate

Question 2

Fire-fighting demand calculation: In a city of population 40 lakhs, if four simultaneous fires occur and each hydrant operates three streams for 4 hours, estimate the total water quantity required (in kilolitres), assuming the standard hydrant strea…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fire-fighting water demand is a critical design component in urban water-supply engineering. For simultaneous fires, engineers estimate the required volume by multiplying the number of active streams by their discharge rate and the total duration of operation. This problem checks your ability to convert a practical fire scenario into a clear water quantity estimate. Given Data / Assumptions: Number of simultaneous fires = 4. Each fire hydrant operates 3 streams (total streams = 4 * 3). Standard discharge per hydrant stream (assumed) = 1,000 L/min per stream (common design convention). Duration of each fire = 4 hours = 240 minutes. 1 kilolitre (kL) = 1,000 litres (L). Concept / Approach: Compute the total volume by first finding the total number of operating streams, then multiply by the discharge per stream and by the duration. Finally, convert litres to kilolitres for reporting. The population figure (40 lakhs) is background context for city size but is not directly used in this specific simultaneous-fire volume calculation. Step-by-Step Solution: Total streams, N_streams = number_of_fires * streams_per_fireN_streams = 4 * 3 = 12 streamsDischarge per stream, q = 1,000 L/minDuration, t = 4 hours = 240 minutesTotal discharge rate, Q_total = N_streams * q = 12 * 1,000 = 12,000 L/minTotal volume (litres), V_L = Q_total * t = 12,000 * 240 = 2,880,000 LConvert to kilolitres: V_kL = V_L / 1,000 = 2,880 kL Verification / Alternative check: Sanity check: One stream at 1,000 L/min for 240 minutes uses 240,000 L = 240 kL. With 12 streams, 12 * 240 kL = 2,880 kL, which matches the computed value. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1,880 kL: Underestimates the discharge; would imply a smaller stream flow or fewer streams. 3,880 kL and 4,880 kL: Overestimates the requirement relative to the standard 1,000 L/min per stream for 12 streams over 4 hours. None of these: Incorrect because 2,880 kL is attainable directly from standard assumptions. Common Pitfalls: Using flow per hydrant instead of per stream; in practice, the specification is per stream from the hydrant. Forgetting to convert hours to minutes, or litres to kilolitres. Incorrectly multiplying by population; population is used for overall fire-demand design norms, not this specific simultaneous-event volume. Final Answer: 2,880 kilolitres

Question 3

Among common soil/rock materials, which has the lowest specific retention (i.e., the smallest fraction of water retained against gravity after drainage)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Specific yield and specific retention partition the total porosity into drainable water and water held by capillary and adsorptive forces. Knowing which materials retain more or less water is fundamental in aquifer evaluation and dewatering design. Given Data / Assumptions: Comparison among common granular soils and clay. Gravity drainage after saturation is considered. Concept / Approach: Fine-grained soils like clays have large surface area and small pores, producing strong capillary forces and high specific retention. Coarse materials like gravel have large pores and weak capillary forces, so they retain the least water and therefore have the highest specific yield (and lowest specific retention). Step-by-Step Solution: Recall: specific retention is highest in fine soils (clay) and lowest in coarse soils (gravel).Rank materials qualitatively: Clay > Silt > Sand > Coarse gravel in retention.Select the minimum-retention material: Coarse gravel. Verification / Alternative check: Typical data: specific retention may be ~0.05–0.15 for gravel and >0.5 for clays (ballpark), confirming the trend. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Clay/Silt/Sand: Retain more water than coarse gravel due to finer pores and higher capillarity. Peat: Very high water-holding capacity; not the lowest. Common Pitfalls: Confusing specific yield (drainable) with specific retention (held water); they are complementary portions of porosity. Final Answer: Coarse gravel

Question 4

For treated potable water, what should be the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: BOD measures the oxygen consumed by microbial oxidation of biodegradable organics. In drinking-water treatment, the objective is to remove biodegradable organic matter to prevent regrowth and ensure biological stability in distribution systems. Given Data / Assumptions: Treated water destined for human consumption. Standard treatment includes coagulation–filtration and disinfection. Concept / Approach: While laboratory detection limits exist, design/operations aim for effectively zero biodegradable organics (BOD ≈ nil) in finished water. Regulatory frameworks typically focus on surrogate parameters (TOC, assimilable organic carbon) and microbial indicators, but the teaching convention is that potable water should have no measurable BOD. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize that any significant BOD indicates residual biodegradable organics and risk of regrowth.Potable water target → BOD effectively nil.Select 'Nil' from the options. Verification / Alternative check: Operational practice in potable systems aims for biologically stable water; measurable BOD values like 10–30 mg/L are characteristic of wastewater, not drinking water. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10–30 ppm (mg/L) are far too high and typical of wastewater, not finished drinking water quality. Common Pitfalls: Confusing wastewater effluent standards (BOD) with drinking water goals (very low organics, stable water). Final Answer: Nil

Question 5

Identify the principal causes of acidity in water supplies (choose the most complete statement).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Acidity in water is due to free mineral acids, dissolved carbon dioxide, and hydrolyzing metal salts that generate acidic species. Understanding sources helps in choosing appropriate neutralization or corrosion-control strategies. Given Data / Assumptions: Typical raw waters and chemically treated waters (e.g., alum coagulation). Standard definition of acidity as the capacity to neutralize bases. Concept / Approach: Free CO2 forms carbonic acid in water. Mineral acids (e.g., H2SO4, HCl) directly contribute to acidity. Certain metal salts (FeSO4, Al2(SO4)3) hydrolyze to produce acidic conditions (e.g., forming H+ via hydrolysis), increasing acidity until alkalinity neutralizes them. Step-by-Step Solution: List recognized contributors to acidity: mineral acids, free CO2, hydrolyzing metal sulphates.Evaluate the options for completeness.Choose the comprehensive option: 'All of the above'. Verification / Alternative check: Standard water chemistry texts describe titratable acidity components including CO2 and hydrolysis products of alum/iron salts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each partial listing omits other well-known contributors to acidity; therefore incomplete. Common Pitfalls: Equating acidity solely with free mineral acids and ignoring CO2 or salt hydrolysis. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 6

What is the primary objective of disinfection in drinking-water treatment?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Disinfection is the final barrier in drinking-water treatment, intended to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms that pose acute public-health risks. While some ancillary effects occur (e.g., slight taste or odour changes), the core goal is microbiological safety. Given Data / Assumptions: Post-filtration disinfection with chlorine, chloramines, ozone, or UV. Target organisms include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (where applicable). Concept / Approach: Filtration removes particulates and most turbidity, but residual microbes may remain. Disinfection ensures compliance with microbiological standards (zero detectable E. coli, very low coliforms) and provides a residual in distribution (for chlorine/chloramines). Hence, the correct objective is pathogen inactivation. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the health-critical function: microbial inactivation.Recognize that turbidity, colour, odour are not the primary purpose of disinfection.Select 'Destroy pathogenic and indicator bacteria'. Verification / Alternative check: Regulatory frameworks prioritize microbial criteria as the top safety requirement; disinfectants are dosed based on CT (concentration*time) for pathogen inactivation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Odour/colour/turbidity control are addressed mainly by upstream processes; disinfection is not designed for these aesthetic parameters. 'Improve taste only' ignores the health objective. Common Pitfalls: Assuming chlorine removes turbidity; it does not. Final Answer: Destroy pathogenic and indicator bacteria

Question 7

Which of the following factors significantly influence per capita water demand in an urban water-supply system?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Per capita demand varies widely due to demographic, climatic, economic, and system-operations factors. Planners must account for these when forecasting demand and sizing facilities for present and future populations. Given Data / Assumptions: Urban service area with metered or unmetered consumption. Normal (non-drought) operating conditions unless tariffs or restrictions apply. Concept / Approach: Large cities often show higher non-domestic and leakage components; hot climates increase outdoor and bathing uses; higher main pressure generally increases consumption and leakage; higher water charges can suppress discretionary use. Therefore, all listed factors affect per capita demand to varying degrees. Step-by-Step Solution: Acknowledge multi-factor dependence of per capita demand.Relate each factor to a plausible mechanism (size, climate, pressure, tariff).Select the comprehensive option 'All of the above'. Verification / Alternative check: Demand-forecasting manuals and CPHEEO guidelines list these influences explicitly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any single-factor choice is incomplete; demand is multi-causal. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring leakage sensitivity to pressure in unmetered systems. Neglecting price elasticity in demand forecasting. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 8

In municipal water-supply engineering, if V is the total consumption of water in litres for a population of N individuals, what is the expression for the per capita consumption (also called the water allowance) Q?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Per capita consumption (also called water allowance) is a foundational metric in water-supply design. It expresses how much water, on average, is consumed by a single person in a service area over a specified period. This simple ratio underpins demand forecasting, sizing of treatment plants, storage, and distribution networks. Given Data / Assumptions: Total water consumed over the period = V litres. Total number of individuals served = N. Uniform accounting period for V (e.g., per day, per year) is implied and consistent. Per capita consumption Q is required in litres per capita for the same period as V. Concept / Approach: The concept is a straightforward average: distribute the aggregate consumption V evenly across N persons. Therefore, the per-person usage equals the total divided by the population count. Dimensional consistency confirms a result in litres per capita when V is in litres and N is dimensionless (a count). Step-by-Step Solution: Define Q as average consumption per individual for the chosen period. Write Q = V / N. Check units: litres / person → litres per capita. Conclude the expression that satisfies dimensional and logical requirements is Q = V / N. Verification / Alternative check: If V doubles while N doubles, Q remains unchanged, which is sensible for an average-per-person measure. If N = 1 (single user), Q = V, also consistent with intuition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: N / V: Inverts the intended ratio and yields per-litre persons, not meaningful for design. V * N: Scales consumption incorrectly; dimensions become litres·persons. (V * 1000) / N: Artificial scaling inflates the value unless V was in cubic metres; the stem already states litres. (V / N) * 100: Arbitrary multiplication; no basis unless expressing a percentage of some benchmark. Common Pitfalls: Mixing periods (e.g., V per day with N per month) which invalidates Q. Accidentally using service connections instead of individuals when computing per capita values. Final Answer: Q = V / N (litres per capita).

Question 9

Identify the incorrect statement: which of the following is listed as an underground source of water?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Classifying sources correctly is essential for choosing intake structures, treatment steps, and protection measures. Underground (groundwater) sources supply water that has percolated into aquifers, while surface sources are open to the atmosphere and typically require different treatment approaches. Given Data / Assumptions: Options include wells, springs, infiltration wells, storage reservoirs, and a catch-all choice. Task: find the option that is not an underground source. Concept / Approach: Groundwater emerges naturally (springs) or is abstracted artificially (dug wells, tube wells, infiltration wells/ galleries). Storage reservoirs, however, are surface impoundments formed by dams or barrages and are not underground sources. Step-by-Step Solution: List bona fide groundwater sources: wells, springs, infiltration wells. Recognize storage reservoirs as surface water bodies. Hence the incorrect listing under “underground sources” is “Storage reservoirs”. Verification / Alternative check: Protection strategies differ: groundwater emphasizes sanitary seals and wellhead protection; reservoirs focus on catchment control and algal management—reinforcing the classification difference. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Wells: Classic abstraction from aquifers. Springs: Natural groundwater discharge points. Infiltration wells: Special groundwater capture works near rivers. None of these: Incorrect because there is a clearly incorrect option (storage reservoirs). Common Pitfalls: Confusing infiltration galleries (groundwater) with river intakes (surface water). Final Answer: Storage reservoirs.

Question 10

Public health significance of inorganics in drinking water: which of the following statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Inorganic contaminants in potable water affect aesthetics and health. Some, like iron and manganese, mainly cause nuisance problems; others, like lead, barium, arsenic, and selenium, are toxic and strictly regulated. Understanding these effects is crucial for selecting treatment processes and ensuring compliance. Given Data / Assumptions: Statements cover aesthetic staining and multiple toxic elements. The question seeks the comprehensive set of correct statements. Concept / Approach: Iron/manganese oxidize and precipitate, producing reddish/black stains on clothes and plumbing. Lead (from plumbing, corrosion) and barium (naturally occurring) are toxic. Arsenic and selenium are recognized poisons with chronic impacts at low levels. Elevated copper can cause gastrointestinal irritation and organ impacts at high doses; therefore, it is also health-relevant. Step-by-Step Solution: Map each contaminant to known effects (aesthetic vs. health). Confirm that all four individual statements describe true effects. Therefore, the combined answer “All the above” is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Standard water-quality references list iron/manganese as staining agents and classify lead, barium, arsenic, selenium, and copper among health-significant parameters with enforceable limits, confirming the statements collectively are true. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Selecting any single statement ignores the other simultaneously true statements. Common Pitfalls: Confusing aesthetic limits (iron/manganese) with health-based limits (Pb, Ba, As, Se, Cu). Final Answer: All the above.

Question 11

Groundwater and springs on valley slopes: if the reduced level (R.L.) of the groundwater table on both valley sides is 1505 m and the stream R.L. at the valley floor is 1475 m, and a 60° slope consists of pervious soil only between R.L. 1485 m and 1…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Gravity springs typically occur where a permeable stratum carrying groundwater outcrops on a slope and intersects an impermeable layer or the ground surface. Identifying the expected emergence elevation relies on the geology and the vertical placement of pervious and impervious strata relative to the groundwater table. Given Data / Assumptions: Valley-side groundwater table R.L. = 1505 m. Stream bed R.L. = 1475 m. Pervious soil exists only between R.L. 1485 m and 1500 m on a 60° slope; layers outside this band are effectively impervious. Gravity flow discharges where the pervious layer daylight intersects the slope at its lower boundary. Concept / Approach: A perched/permeable lens drains along its downslope limit. The spring emerges near the lowest elevation at which the pervious layer is present and intersects the slope face, provided this level is above the local base level and hydraulically connected. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the lower boundary of the pervious band: R.L. 1485 m. Recognize that pervious material above an impervious base will exfiltrate at the lowest outcrop. Therefore, the gravity spring is expected at or near R.L. 1485 m on the slope. Verification / Alternative check: The stream R.L. (1475 m) is below the pervious band; drainage from 1485 m will flow downslope to the channel, consistent with observed hillside springs at the pervious–impervious contact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1500 m and 1505 m: Upper levels of the pervious/mounded groundwater—springs usually emerge at the lower outcrop. 1475 m: Stream level is below the pervious band; spring emergence occurs where the pervious intersects the ground, not necessarily at the thalweg elevation. Common Pitfalls: Assuming springs always appear at the stream level rather than at the pervious boundary outcrop. Final Answer: 1485 m.

Question 12

In a distribution network, at which locations should drain (scour) valves be provided on water-supply pipelines to facilitate complete emptying and flushing?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Drain (scour) valves enable flushing sediments and fully emptying pipelines for maintenance. Correct placement ensures gravity drainage and prevents stagnant pockets when lines are dewatered. Given Data / Assumptions: Pressurized distribution pipelines traverse varying elevations. Goal: complete drainage and effective flushing. Concept / Approach: Water drains by gravity toward local low points. Sediments settle at sags; placing scour valves at these low points allows high-velocity discharge to remove settled solids and to empty the main efficiently. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify sags/valleys (lowest elevations) along the alignment. Provide drain valves at these low points to ensure gravity outflow. Complement with air valves at summits for admitting air during drainage to avoid vacuum. Verification / Alternative check: Operational practice shows that drains at high points cannot empty sags; conversely, low-point drains plus summit air release enable rapid, safe dewatering. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Higher points: Needed for air valves, not drains. Junctions irrespective of elevation: Hydraulic profile, not node type, dictates drain placement. Anywhere: Ineffective; may leave undrained pockets. Common Pitfalls: Omitting air admittance at high points during draining, leading to damaging vacuums. Final Answer: At lower points of the pipeline profile.

Question 13

Design basis for distribution mains: a city’s distribution mains are normally sized for approximately what fraction of the average daily water requirement?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Distribution mains must convey peak demands, not merely average flows. A common planning benchmark is the maximum day demand, often taken as a multiplier of the average day, to ensure adequate pressures and service during high-use periods and emergencies. Given Data / Assumptions: Average daily requirement is the baseline. Peak factors translate average to design flow. Concept / Approach: Empirical peaking factors account for diurnal and seasonal variability. For many systems, maximum day ≈ 1.5 × average day, while maximum hour may be higher and handled by storage plus main capacity. Designing mains near 150% of the average daily requirement is a typical baseline before detailed modeling. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the design driver: maximum day consumption. Apply peak factor ≈ 1.5 on average daily requirement. Select 150% as the appropriate choice. Verification / Alternative check: Hydraulic modeling with diurnal curves usually confirms that mains sized for the maximum day plus storage can meet maximum hour at acceptable pressures. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 100%: Insufficient for peaks. 200% or 225%: Overly conservative for typical systems and uneconomical without justification. Common Pitfalls: Confusing maximum day factor with maximum hour factor, which is higher but primarily met via storage. Final Answer: 150% of the average daily requirement (maximum day demand).

Question 14

Well construction and durability: which measure listed below does not reduce the rate of corrosion of well pipes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Corrosion in wells arises from electrochemical reactions influenced by oxygen, carbon dioxide, salinity, flow velocity, and microbiology. Mitigation strategies target the corrosion rate; some measures only increase service life without changing the underlying corrosion kinetics. Given Data / Assumptions: Options include hydraulic and structural interventions. We must pick the measure that does not reduce the corrosion rate. Concept / Approach: Lowering drawdown/pumping decreases oxygenated water entry and aggressive conditions; reducing velocity mitigates erosion–corrosion; larger screen open area lowers entrance velocity and head losses—each can reduce corrosion rate. Using thicker pipes does not reduce the rate; it merely provides a thicker sacrificial wall, delaying failure. Step-by-Step Solution: Assess whether each option changes the corrosion environment or kinetics. Identify that thickness changes capacity to withstand loss, not the reaction rate. Therefore, “Using thicker pipes” does not reduce corrosion rate. Verification / Alternative check: Service records show thicker sections last longer at the same corrosion rate but pits still propagate at similar mm/year—confirming kinetics are unchanged. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reducing drawdown/pumping: less oxygen/CO2 ingress, lower corrosion drivers. Reducing flow velocity: mitigates erosion–corrosion synergy. Increasing screen area: reduces localized high velocities and differential aeration. None of these: incorrect because one measure clearly does not reduce the rate. Common Pitfalls: Equating longer life (thickness) with reduced corrosion rate. Final Answer: Using thicker pipes to resist wall loss.

Question 15

Transient protection in pressure mains: which device is specifically provided to reduce water-hammer (surge) pressures?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Water hammer is a transient pressure rise due to rapid changes in flow velocity. Protecting pipelines and appurtenances requires devices that absorb or quickly discharge the excess pressure to safe levels. Given Data / Assumptions: Focus on common appurtenances: sluice valves, air valves, and relief valves. Concept / Approach: Pressure (surge) relief valves are designed to open rapidly when pressure exceeds a setpoint, venting water and capping peak surge. Air valves mainly admit/release air to prevent vacuum or air pockets; they are not primary surge-suppression devices. Sluice valves are isolation valves and do not abate transients. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the device whose function is surge limitation: pressure relief valve. Exclude air valves (air management) and sluice valves (isolation only). Select “Pressure relief valves (surge relief)”. Verification / Alternative check: Transient analysis shows that properly set relief valves reduce maximum overpressure; additional measures include surge tanks, air chambers, and controlled valve/ pump operations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sluice valves: Can actually create surges if operated rapidly. Air valves: Protect against vacuum and entrained air, not pressure spikes. None of these: Incorrect because a suitable device exists. Common Pitfalls: Assuming air valves alone solve surge; they address a different failure mode. Final Answer: Pressure relief valves (surge relief).

Question 16

Pipeline accessibility: manholes along raw-water/clear-water mains from the source to a city are generally provided at about 500 m intervals in which type(s) of pipe?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Access structures enable inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of large conveyance pipelines. The need and feasibility of providing manholes depend on pipe material, diameter, and structural considerations. Given Data / Assumptions: Manholes are placed at intervals of approximately 500 m along large mains. We must identify the pipe type where such manholes are typically provided. Concept / Approach: Large-diameter R.C.C. (including hume) pipelines commonly incorporate manhole openings because the wall thickness and reinforcement can be detailed around access frames while maintaining integrity. Small/medium steel mains generally use inline fittings (air/scour) and pigging, with fewer full manhole entries due to thin walls and pressure considerations. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize that R.C.C. mains are often large and buried—access is via manholes. Steel mains typically rely on appurtenances rather than frequent manholes. Select “R.C.C. pipes” as the standard case for 500 m manhole spacing. Verification / Alternative check: Practice notes specify manholes on large concrete conduits, while steel lines favor tapping points and inspection ports rather than full manhole entries at such close spacing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Steel pipes: Less common for manholes; structural and practical constraints. Hume steel pipes (R.C.C. with steel): Often treated under R.C.C. practice; if narrowly interpreted, the standard textbook answer highlights R.C.C. pipes. All the above: Overgeneralizes; not typical across all materials. Common Pitfalls: Assuming every material supports frequent manholes irrespective of diameter and pressure class. Final Answer: R.C.C. pipes.

Question 17

Climatology and hydrology: the “average annual rainfall” at a rain-gauge station is computed as the average of the annual totals over how many consecutive years for a reliable normal?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A rainfall “normal” smooths year-to-year variability to represent a station’s typical climate. Hydrologic design often relies on multi-decade normals to benchmark water availability, drought severity, and flood potential. Given Data / Assumptions: We seek the conventional length of record used for computing the average annual rainfall at a station. Concept / Approach: Classical hydrology texts and many exam standards define the average annual rainfall as the mean of annual totals over a long, continuous record. Although modern climatology often uses 30-year normals, many traditional problems specify 35 years as the representative averaging period. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the standard long-term averaging window used in conventional problems. Select the next higher decadal multiple close to modern 30-year practice that appears in classical references: 35 years. Confirm that shorter records (7–28 years) are more vulnerable to sampling bias. Verification / Alternative check: Longer windows reduce variance of the mean and better capture interannual oscillations (e.g., ENSO), supporting the choice of a multi-decadal period like 35 years in older design literature. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 7, 14, 21, 28 years: Too short for a robust “normal”; high sensitivity to wet/dry cycles. Common Pitfalls: Confusing contemporary 30-year WMO normals with older civil-engineering conventions; exam keys often expect 35 years. Final Answer: 35 years.

Question 18

Corrosion in water supply pipelines: Identify the correct effects caused by the corrosion of a pipe used in civil engineering water distribution systems.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Corrosion of pipes is one of the most important issues in water supply engineering. It affects not only the structural integrity of the pipe but also the quality of water supplied to consumers. This question checks understanding of the different impacts of corrosion on water supply systems. Given Data / Assumptions: Pipes under consideration are metallic, typically cast iron or steel. Corrosion occurs due to chemical, electrochemical, and biological reactions. Effects must be evaluated in terms of lifespan, carrying capacity, and water quality (colour and odour). Concept / Approach: Corrosion reduces the wall thickness of pipes, thereby shortening service life. It also causes scaling and deposits inside pipes, reducing carrying capacity. Corroded surfaces release iron oxides and other particles, imparting colour and metallic taste or odour to the water. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Corrosion causes thinning of pipe walls → reduced life span.2. Deposits and scaling reduce the effective diameter → reduced carrying capacity.3. Released oxides impart reddish-brown colour to water → colour issue.4. Chemical reactions and dissolved compounds create metallic or unpleasant odour → odour issue. Verification / Alternative check: Engineers often use protective coatings, cathodic protection, or non-metallic pipes to avoid these combined issues. This confirms the multi-faceted nature of corrosion damage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reduces life span: Correct, but incomplete. Reduces carrying capacity: Correct, but incomplete. Adds colour: Correct, but incomplete. Adds odour: Correct, but incomplete. Common Pitfalls: Assuming corrosion only affects structural strength, ignoring water quality. Believing plastic pipes are also prone to corrosion (they are not, though they may suffer other issues). Overlooking secondary effects such as leakage and contamination risks. Final Answer: All the above

Question 19

Population forecasting in civil engineering: The shape of the population growth curve commonly observed in demographic studies is identified as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Population forecasting is essential for civil engineering projects, particularly in water supply, sanitation, and urban planning. The growth of population often follows a mathematical pattern that can be represented graphically. Given Data / Assumptions: Population grows slowly initially. Then growth accelerates rapidly. Finally, it slows down and stabilizes. Concept / Approach: The population growth curve is generally represented by a logistic function. It begins as slow growth, then accelerates, and eventually stabilizes due to limiting factors such as resources and space. This results in an S-shaped (sigmoidal) curve. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Early stage: population grows slowly (lag phase).2. Middle stage: exponential growth occurs (steep rise).3. Final stage: limiting factors cause stabilization (plateau). Verification / Alternative check: This is consistent with logistic growth theory in biology and demography, which civil engineers adapt for long-term planning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Parabolic curve: Represents quadratic relations, not realistic for long-term population. Circular curve: Not meaningful in this context. Straight line: Represents arithmetic growth, unrealistic for actual populations. None of these: Wrong because S-shaped is the correct established answer. Common Pitfalls: Confusing exponential growth with logistic growth; the latter accounts for limitations. Believing all cities grow indefinitely, ignoring saturation effects. Final Answer: S-shaped curve

Question 20

Minimum thickness requirement: What is the least wall thickness of a class B cast iron (spun) pipe used in water supply systems?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cast iron pipes are widely used in water distribution systems due to their durability and strength. Standards prescribe minimum thickness values to ensure the pipe can withstand internal pressures and external loads safely. Given Data / Assumptions: Pipe material: Cast iron (spun type). Pipe classification: Class B. Property to determine: Minimum wall thickness. Concept / Approach: The minimum thickness is specified by Indian Standards (IS 1536:2001) and similar international codes. For class B spun cast iron pipes, the least thickness required is 7.2 mm. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify the pipe class → Class B cast iron pipe.2. Refer to code specifications → IS prescribes minimum thickness values.3. Correct value for Class B spun pipe → 7.2 mm. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-check with code tables shows Class A has lower values, and Class C has higher. This confirms 7.2 mm is correct for Class B. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 7.9 mm, 8.6 mm, 10 mm: These are thicker values but not the specified minimum for Class B pipes. None of these: Incorrect, since 7.2 mm is valid. Common Pitfalls: Assuming thicker is always the answer without checking standards. Confusing with Class A or Class C pipe values. Final Answer: 7.2 mm

Water Supply Engineering Questions