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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class C Water License Exam. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and in-depth explanations. Equip yourself with the skills to succeed!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What does the pH of water indicate?

  1. If it's acidic or basic

  2. The level of dissolved oxygen

  3. The presence of heavy metals

  4. The salinity level

The correct answer is: If it's acidic or basic

The pH of water is a measure of its acidity or basicity, which is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions present in the solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidic conditions, values above 7 indicating basic (or alkaline) conditions, and a pH of 7 being neutral. Therefore, this measure is crucial for assessing water quality in various environmental contexts, as it influences aquatic life, chemical reactions, and the overall health of ecosystems. While other choices refer to important water quality parameters, they do not pertain to pH. For instance, dissolved oxygen levels are vital for supporting aquatic life but rely on different measurements. The presence of heavy metals relates to specific contaminants that can affect health and safety but is not indicated by pH. Salinity levels measure the amount of dissolved salts in water rather than its acidity or basicity. Understanding pH is fundamental for anyone working with water systems, as it helps guide treatment processes and ensure the safe use of water in various applications.