Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification Practice Exam

Which treatment technique is NOT included in ADEQ grading a water facility?

1. Filtration

2. Chlorination

3. Activated Charcoal

4. Coagulation

The correct answer is: Activated Charcoal

The treatment technique known as activated charcoal, or activated carbon, is not included in the ADEQ grading of a water facility. This is primarily because activated charcoal is not typically a standalone treatment process required for grading. Instead, it is generally considered more of a supplemental or auxiliary treatment method that may be used for specific situations, such as odor removal or taste improvement. In contrast, filtration, chlorination, and coagulation are fundamental treatment processes recognized in the drinking water treatment paradigm. Filtration is essential for removing particulate matter and pathogens; chlorination is a critical disinfection method to ensure microbial safety; and coagulation is necessary for agglomerating smaller particles for easier removal. These processes are integral to ensuring overall water quality and safety, making them central to the grading assessment by the ADEQ.