Environmental Science: Final Exam Study
Guide Questions With Verified Answers
How are septic systems like automobiles? - answer✔Septic systems need to be inspected and
maintained. They also must be properly used.
How often should your tank be checked and your septic tank pumped out? - answer✔Your tank
should be checked every 3-5 years and pumped when necessary.
What parts of your system should be checked at the time of inspection? - answer✔The solids
and the scum layer.
What can happen if the effluent filter is not cleaned? - answer✔It can become clogged and your
system may back up.
How often should mechanical parts be inspected? - answer✔At least once a year or when
recommended by the manufacturer.
As the level of solids rises in the tank, what happens? - answer✔Wastewater won't have
enough time to settle and solid particles will flow into the absorption field.
If the septic tank is not periodically pumped out, what will happen? - answer✔The solids will
clog the absorption field to the point of replacement.
If there is damage to the baffles in a septic tank, what will happen? - answer✔Wastewater
could flow directly into the absorption field without allowing solids to settle.
Draw a cross section of a septic tank. - answer✔Draw a cross section of a septic tank.
Explain five major factors in determining how often you should have your septic tank pumped
out. - answer✔1. size and capacity of the tank
2. If the number of people in your home has increased
3. The amount of appliances that use water
4. The amount of solids in your wastewater
What are two things you can do to reduce the flow of wastewater? - answer✔Use low-flow
toilets, shower fixtures, faucets, shower heads, and space out your laundry.
Explain four ways you can protect the life of the absorption field. - answer✔1. Only plant grass-
other plants' roots could clog or damage the system
2. No driving or parking over the field- soil could compact and crush the system
3. Direct all of your home's wastewater to your septic tank
4. Keep any drains away from the absorption field- excessive water interferes with wastewater
cleansing
What are five ways in which you can keep a septic system long lasting and trouble free? -
answer✔1. Conserve water to avoid overloading
2. Avoid septic tank additives- they're unnecessary and harmful
3. Don't put garbage down your drains
4. Don't dump grease and fats into your drains- they'll solidify and clog your pipes
5. Use cleaners and detergents in moderation
Septic systems are a very simple way to treat household wastewater and are easy to
______________ and ___________________. - answer✔operate, maintain
Once homeowners learn how their system works, it is easy for them to appreciate the
importance of a few sound ________________ and ______________________
____________________. - answer✔operation, maintenance practices
Water in the saturated zone beneath the soil surface is commonly referred to as
______________________________. - answer✔groundwater
Groundwater is but one stage, or form, through which water passes in the Earth's
_________________ _______________. - answer✔hydrolic cycle
Water is readily visible in many forms. List eight possible forms. - answer✔1. clouds
2. rain
3. snow
4. fog
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