1. What is the name of the first Water Treatment Plant?

The name of the first Water Treatment Plant is the Hollis reservoir commissioned in 1936.

2. Why were there riots 1903?

In 1903 there were riots because the masses felt deprivation of their class or race when compared

to the wealthy. Following the building of the national waterworks infrastructure the Government

passed an Ordinance that increased the cost of water. A number of public meetings had been held

to protest the increase, culminating in a demonstration. On the 23rd March, 1903 there occurred a

“Water Riot” around the red house in Port-of Spain. More than 3,000 people had gathered in

Brunswick Square now called Woodford Square at noontime, from whence 1,000 converged

upon the Red House where the legislative council was in session.

3. Name the four dams in Trinidad and Tobago?

a. The Arena Dam.

b. Hillsborough Dam

c. Hollis Dam

d. Navet Dam

4. From where does the water treatment plant take the water?

The water treatment plant takes the water from surface water sources such as rivers or lakes or

ground water sources such as wells.

5. What is added to the water to make the dirt particles stick together?

Alum or Aluminum Sulphate (a coagulant), liquid polymer (a flocculant) is added to the water to

make dirt particles stick together.

During sedimentation heavy clumps settle at the bottom of the basin, where it is referred to as

sludge.

7. Name one of the filters water passes through?

The filtration system is a monotype constant rate gravity filter system.

8. Why is chlorine added to the water?

Chlorine is added to remove and destroy any bacteria or viruses present in the water.

9. Where does the water go when it leaves the storage tank or reservoir

When the water leaves the storage tanks or reservoir it goes to the water taps of the people for

the area it serves.

10. Name four naturals disasters that can affect water supply?

Four natural hazards that can affect water supply are drought, earthquakes, hurricanes and

landslides.

11. What disinfection method does the water industry use to clean water?

The disinfection method the water industry use is, when water is drawn into the plant via pumps

from lakes, rivers etc it goes through large metal grills called screens or trash racks. These block

large objects such as wood, leaves and other forms of debris from entering the treatment plant

along with the water. At this stage Alum or Aluminum Sulphate (a coagulant) liquid polymer (a

flocculent) and chlorine (disinfectant) are introduced. The headwork’s is designed to ensure

rapid mixing and uniform distribution of the chemicals with the raw water. The Alum reacts

rapidly with the water’s alkalinity to produce a gelatinous or jellylike precipitate of Aluminum

Hydroxide called microfloc that entraps and absorbs impurities. The liquid polymer aids
 coagulation by enlarging the floc particles through bridging. Chlorine is sometimes added to

prevent the growth of algae on the wall of the flocculation and sedimentation basin.

12. Should this clean water be wasted or conserved?

Clean water should be conserved as it very limited in supply and only 1% of the world’s water is

for human use.

13. Describe three ways in which water is wasted?

Clean water is wasted by the use of recreational toys which require a constant stream of water,

open hydrants and broken pipes that are not repaired immediately.

14. How can we reduce the amount of water we use?

We can reduce the amount of water we use by repairing leaking faucets, checking toilet tanks for

leaks, when bathing, turn off water while soaping, operate automatic dishwashers and washing

machines only when they are fully loaded, do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen

foods, hand sprayers should be used sparingly, don’t let water run while shaving or brushing

teeth and do not flush toilets unnecessarily. Don’t over water the lawn, don’t hose down

driveways or sidewalk as this can use hundreds of gallons of water. When washing the car use a

bucket of water instead of a hose, if you have a swimming pool consider a new water-saving

pool filter.

15. What is the estimated amount of time that groundwater, once polluted can remain

polluted?

Groundwater once polluted can remain polluted: several thousand years.

16. How many gallons of water are produced by one inch of rain on an acre of land?

Gallons of water produced by one inch of rain on an acre of land are 27,500 gallons.
 17. What is the percentage of the world’s that is salty or undrinkable?

97% of the world’s water is either salty or undrinkable.

18. What percentage of the earth’s fresh water is available for human use?

1% of the earth’s fresh water is available for human use.

19. What is a watershed?

A watershed refers to the land over and through which water flows to reach a common water

body. It has two components, surface drainage and groundwater drainage. Surface water flows

over the surface of the land in response to gravity. Groundwater flows through permeable soil

and fractures in bedrock in response to gravity.

20. What are watersheds used for?

The hydraulic cycle is critical to understanding the concept of the watershed. Without the water

cycle watersheds would cease to exist. A watershed is land area that delivers water, sediment,

and dissolved substances via small streams to a major stream.

21. List the importance of proper watershed management?

The importance of watershed management is to reduce degradation and soil erosion rates, to

minimize the sediment load in river systems to reduce reservoir storage losses, treatments costs

and incidents of flooding.

22. Name the most critical watershed in Trinidad and Tobago.

The most critical watershed in Trinidad and Tobago is Fondes Amandes .

23. What regions does the Caroni Arena Water Supply System provide water to?

Central Trinidad.
24. What are some components that can be found in raw water?

Some components found in raw water is nitrogen compounds, 2

parts hydrogen, 1 part oxygen, giardia, cryptosporidium,

bacteria, wood, leaves, and debris.

25. Why is lime added to the filtered water?

Lime is added to filtered water to maintain a pH level 7.