Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

Altitude valves are primarily used to control water levels in which of the following?

1. Well casings

2. Storage tanks

3. Water treatment facilities

4. Elevated storage tanks

The correct answer is: Elevated storage tanks

Altitude valves are specifically designed for controlling water levels in elevated storage tanks. These valves operate by opening and closing based on the water level within the tank, ensuring that the tank maintains the desired level of water for distribution while preventing overflows. In elevated storage tanks, proper water level management is critical because these tanks provide pressure to the water distribution system by utilizing gravitational force. The use of altitude valves in this context is paramount as they can adjust the flow based on the current water level, ensuring efficient operation and optimal water supply to the systems relying on the tank. Other options, such as well casings, storage tanks, and water treatment facilities, do not utilize altitude valves in the same way; for instance, well casings are primarily concerned with groundwater and do not require altitude control, while storage tanks and treatment facilities have different mechanisms to manage levels. Therefore, understanding the specific application of altitude valves underscores why they are primarily associated with elevated storage tanks.