CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is a water main?

1. A secondary pipe system for household water

2. A pipe delivering clean water from the municipal utility

3. A component for storing rainwater

4. A drainage system for wastewater

The correct answer is: A pipe delivering clean water from the municipal utility

A water main is a large pipe that delivers clean water from the municipal utility to various distribution points, such as homes and businesses. It serves as the primary artery for the water supply system, facilitating the flow of potable water necessary for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and other essential uses. The term "main" denotes its role in the infrastructure, as it is a central component that connects to smaller pipes, often referred to as service lines, which branch off to individual properties. This makes option B accurate, as it highlights the function of the water main in providing safe and clean water to the community. In contrast, other options describe different systems: a secondary pipe system for household water suggests a supplemental role rather than the primary function of a water main; storing rainwater refers to a collection system rather than a distribution mechanism; and a drainage system for wastewater deals with the removal of used water, which is fundamentally different from what a water main does in transporting clean water.