How to identify unsafe water sources
  • 1. What is the most visible indicator of potentially unsafe water?
A) A constant temperature
B) The presence of small bubbles
C) Cloudiness or discoloration
D) A slight metallic taste
  • 2. Which source is LEAST likely to be safe without treatment?
A) Surface water (rivers, lakes)
B) Deep well water
C) Municipal tap water
D) Artesian spring water
  • 3. What can indicate animal waste contamination?
A) Proximity to livestock
B) Water that is slightly salty
C) Rocks near the water source
D) The presence of algae
  • 4. Which of these locations poses the highest risk of chemical runoff?
A) Near an agricultural field
B) Far away from any buildings
C) High up in the mountains
D) In a dense forest
  • 5. What does a musty or earthy odor in water often suggest?
A) The presence of organic matter
B) Low pH levels
C) High mineral content
D) The presence of chlorine
  • 6. How can you assess potential industrial contamination?
A) Measure the water temperature
B) Observe the local wildlife
C) Note the color of the surrounding soil
D) Check for nearby factories or waste disposal sites
  • 7. What's a sign that well water may be compromised?
A) Regular water testing
B) Cracks or damage to the well casing
C) High water pressure
D) Presence of beneficial bacteria
  • 8. Why is stagnant water generally unsafe?
A) It's too cold
B) It's a breeding ground for bacteria
C) It lacks oxygen
D) It's too clear
  • 9. What visual clue suggests potential sewage contamination?
A) A blue tint to the water
B) Foam or scum on the water's surface
C) The presence of small insects
D) A high level of clarity
  • 10. What can you check for near a water source to assess safety?
A) Signs of recent flooding
B) The age of the trees nearby
C) The type of rocks surrounding the source
D) The number of birds present
  • 11. What piece of equipment is used to measure pH levels?
A) pH meter
B) Thermometer
C) TDS meter
D) Magnifying glass
  • 12. What is one of the best ways to purify water for consumption?
A) Exposing the water to sunlight for one hour
B) Freezing the water
C) Boiling the water
D) Adding sugar to the water
  • 13. Which is NOT a potential pollutant in unsafe water sources?
A) Bacteria
B) Pesticides
C) Oxygen
D) Heavy metals
  • 14. What does TDS stand for in water quality testing?
A) Total Dissolved Solids
B) Total Dispersed Solutions
C) Tiny Decomposed Substances
D) Toxic Dissolved Sediment
  • 15. What color does litmus paper turn in acidic water?
A) Red
B) Blue
C) Yellow
D) Green
  • 16. Which water treatment method is best for removing sediment?
A) Distillation
B) Chlorination
C) UV radiation
D) Filtration
  • 17. Which of these is most likely to contaminate groundwater?
A) Wind
B) Sunlight
C) Leaking underground storage tanks
D) Rainfall
  • 18. A sudden change in water taste may indicate what?
A) Contamination
B) Temperature change
C) Air bubbles
D) Natural mineral fluctuation
  • 19. What does it mean if a water source has high turbidity?
A) It's highly acidic
B) It's very cold
C) It has high levels of suspended particles
D) It's very pure
  • 20. Which of these is a common sign of bacterial contamination?
A) Improved skin complexion
B) Increased energy levels
C) Diarrhea after consumption
D) Heightened sense of smell
  • 21. What is a potential problem with relying solely on springs?
A) They're always available
B) They require no treatment
C) They always produce pure water
D) They can be easily contaminated
  • 22. What should you do if you suspect water contamination?
A) Report it to the local health authority
B) Continue drinking it in small amounts
C) Ignore it and hope it goes away
D) Add bleach and drink it
  • 23. Why is rainwater not always safe to drink?
A) It can collect pollutants from the air
B) It lacks minerals
C) It's too pure
D) It's always acidic
  • 24. Which material is safest for storing water long term?
A) Rusty metal
B) Copper
C) Cardboard
D) Food-grade plastic
  • 25. What type of illness is commonly linked to unsafe drinking water?
A) Gastrointestinal illness
B) Musculoskeletal disorders
C) Respiratory illness
D) Cardiovascular disease
  • 26. Which method is LEAST reliable for disinfecting water?
A) Boiling it vigorously
B) Adding chlorine tablets
C) Using a water filter
D) Leaving it in the sun for a short time
  • 27. What is a possible indicator of lead contamination?
A) Clear water
B) High water pressure
C) A slight floral scent
D) Old plumbing
  • 28. What is a common source of nitrates in water?
A) Fertilizer runoff
B) Volcanic activity
C) Atmospheric pressure
D) Natural rock formations
  • 29. If a river is heavily used for recreation, what is a likely concern?
A) High mineral content
B) Bacterial contamination from human waste
C) Decreased oxygen levels
D) Increased water clarity
  • 30. Why should you avoid drinking from puddles?
A) They lack essential minerals
B) They are always too cold
C) They collect a variety of contaminants
D) They are naturally acidic
Created with That Quiz — where test making and test taking are made easy for math and other subject areas.