Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 9
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions.
SAQ 9.1 (tests Learning Outcome 9.1)
Match the following words to their correct definitions.
Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.
parameter
drinking water standards
asset management
a.a process that helps to ensure continuous water supply at minimal cost
b.quality parameters set for drinking water
c.any measurable factor
- 1 = c
- 2 = b
- 3 = a
SAQ 9.2 (tests Learning Outcome 9.2)
In Column A of the table below you will find a series of statements related to good governance of a water utility. Select the word or phrase from the following list that best applies to each statement and insert it in Column B:
accountable, effective, efficient, equitable and inclusive, independent, obtaining a consensus, participation, responsive, transparent.
| Column A | Column B |
| Rapidly set up an emergency water supply system with road tankers when the mains supply was cut due to construction work | |
| Make sure everything happens with minimal duplication of effort | |
| Operate free from pressure from local businesses and the village chief | |
| Consider the opinions of all the stakeholders in a project to divert a river, and then arrive at a decision that is acceptable to the majority | |
| Explain to a village why its water supply was cut for three days | |
| Everyone comes together to decide on the location of a water tower | |
| Make sure all the villages in a given area are included in a water supply scheme and that each village gets adequate water for all its needs | |
| Allow people to see the paperwork on how a tender was awarded | |
| Choose the right water treatment method to get rid of fluoride |
Answer
The most appropriate choice of words is shown below.
| Column A | Column B |
| Rapidly set up an emergency water supply system with road tankers when the mains supply was cut due to construction work | responsive |
| Make sure everything happens with minimal duplication of effort | efficient |
| Operate free from pressure from local businesses and the village chief | independent |
| Consider the opinions of all the stakeholders in a project to divert a river, and then arrive at a decision that is acceptable to the majority | obtaining a consensus |
| Explain to a village why its water supply was cut for three days | accountable |
| Everyone comes together to decide on the location of a water tower | participation |
| Make sure all the villages in a given area are included in a water supply scheme and that each village gets adequate water for all its needs | equitable and inclusive |
| Allow people to see the paperwork on how a tender was awarded | transparent |
| Choose the right water treatment method to get rid of fluoride | effective |
SAQ 9.3 (tests Learning Outcome 9.3)
Which of the following statements are false in relation to asset management in a water utility? Give your reasons for choosing them.
- A.Asset management is a process employed solely to ensure water treatment plants operate at their highest efficiency.
- B.In asset management we need to ensure that we have sufficient staff and finances for best service delivery.
- C.The Asset Management Plan once drawn up does not need changing.
- D.Office desks are considered assets in the asset management plan.
- E.Good asset management will help reduce loss of water through pipe bursts.
Answer
A is false. Asset management for a water utility encompasses all the assets related to water supply, not just the water treatment plant.
C is also false. The Asset Management Plan has to be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary.
SAQ 9.4 (tests Learning Outcome 9.4)
Arrange the following tasks in the proper sequence for handling a customer complaint:
- Resolve the complaint.
- Document the complaint and how it was resolved.
- Learn from the complaint and rectify any problems.
- Listen to the complaint.
- Understand the issue.
Answer
The preferred sequence is as follows:
- Listen to the complaint.
- Understand the issue.
- Resolve the complaint.
- Document the complaint and how it was resolved.
- Learn from the complaint and rectify any problems.
SAQ 9.5 (tests Learning Outcome 9.5)
Identify the chemical water quality parameter(s) that would need to be controlled to prevent each of the following conditions.
| Condition | Parameter(s) that need to be controlled |
| Reddish-brown colour in the water | |
| Methaemoglobinaemia | |
| Skin cancer | |
| Salty taste | |
| Damage to the nervous system | |
| Kidney problems | |
| Corrosion of pipes | |
| An objectionable, pungent odour | |
| Fluorosis |
Answer
You should have identified the following chemical substances in the ‘Parameters’ column.
| Condition | Parameter(s) that need to be controlled |
| Reddish-brown colour in the water | Iron |
| Methaemoglobinaemia | Nitrate, nitrite |
| Skin cancer | Arsenic |
| Salty taste | Chloride |
| Damage to the nervous system | Copper, cyanide, lead, manganese, mercury |
| Kidney problems | Cadmium, mercury |
| Corrosion of pipes | Sulphate |
| An objectionable, pungent odour | Ammonia |
| Fluorosis | Fluoride |
Summary of Study Session 9