Free Specialty Examination - Well Drillers Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Specialty Examination - Well Drillers practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which well category is exempt from the permitting and construction rules in Iowa Chapter 49?

   1. A. Public water-supply wells
   2. B. Private domestic wells
   3. C. Private irrigation wells
   4. D. Private industrial wells

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule 49.3(4)(a) states, "The permitting and construction rules in this chapter shall not apply to public water supply wells." The other listed private well types remain within Chapter 49.

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.3(4)(a)

2. 2For a buried-slab bored well, how thick must the grout seal over and around the plate be?

   1. A. 6 inches
   2. B. 12 inches
   3. C. 18 inches
   4. D. 24 inches

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule 49.10(1)(b)(2) states, "A 12-inch grout seal shall be poured over and around the plate."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.10(1)(b)(2)

3. 3How high must an Iowa well's upper terminal casing extend?

   1. A. At least 6 inches above grade only
   2. B. At least 12 inches above grade, pump-house floor, or flood level, whichever is higher
   3. C. At least 18 inches above the static water level
   4. D. At least 24 inches above the surrounding lot

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule 49.9(2)(a) requires casing to extend "at least 12 inches above established grade or pump house floor, or the 100-year flood level, whichever is higher."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.9(2)(a)

4. 4Replacing an Iowa well screen with another of identical diameter and length is classified as what?

   1. A. New construction
   2. B. Reconstruction
   3. C. Repair
   4. D. Abandonment

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Rule 49.2 states, "Replacing a screen with one of identical diameter and length ... is considered repair, not reconstruction."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.2, definition of Well reconstruction

5. 5Before public water-supply well construction begins in Iowa, which pair must ensure that the department permit has issued?

   1. A. The public water supply and certified well contractor
   2. B. The department and contracting county
   3. C. The public water supply and consulting engineer
   4. D. The certified well contractor and administrative authority

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule 43.3(3)(d) states, "It is the responsibility of the PWS and certified well contractor to ensure that a public well construction permit has been issued by the department prior to initiation of well construction." The alternatives pair other real participants in Iowa well permitting and design.

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 43.3(3)(d)

6. 6What is the minimum permanent solid casing depth for an Iowa well drilled in unconsolidated material?

   1. A. 10 feet
   2. B. 20 feet
   3. C. 40 feet
   4. D. 60 feet

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule 49.10(1)(a)(1) provides, "In no case shall less than 20 feet of permanent solid casing be installed in wells drilled in unconsolidated materials."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.10(1)(a)(1)

7. 7What minimum pressure rating must new thermoplastic Iowa well casing have?

   1. A. 100 psi
   2. B. 160 psi
   3. C. 200 psi
   4. D. 250 psi

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Rule 49.11(1)(b)(1) requires new PVC or ABS material "having a minimum pressure rating of 200 psi."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.11(1)(b)(1)

8. 8Which closure belongs on an exposed Iowa well immediately after completion?

   1. A. A well cap
   2. B. A split-top sanitary seal
   3. C. A frost-pit cover
   4. D. A temporary casing shoe

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule 49.9(2)(a) specifies, "A well cap shall be used on an exposed well; a sanitary seal only on a well terminating within a wellhouse."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.9(2)(a)

9. 9If a reconstructed Iowa well feature cannot be brought into compliance, what must happen?

   1. A. The feature may remain if noted on the log
   2. B. The well must be properly plugged
   3. C. The casing must be shortened below grade
   4. D. The well becomes a permanent standby well

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule 49.12 states, "If the well feature in need of reconstruction cannot be brought into compliance with these rules, the well shall be properly plugged."

   Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 49.12

10. 10For a new Iowa public groundwater well, how far in every direction must drainage be directed away?

    1. A. 5-foot radius
    2. B. 10-foot radius
    3. C. 15-foot radius
    4. D. 25-foot radius

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Rule 43.3(7)(b)(1)(1) provides, "Drainage must be directed away from a well in all directions for a minimum radius of 15 feet."

    Reference: Iowa Administrative Code — 567 IAC 43.3(7)(b)(1)(1)