NEW MEXICO ES-10R RESIDENTIAL WATER WELL PUMP
INSTALLER EXAM COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE |
GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY
GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION
PREPARATION
SECTION ONE — QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to New Mexico Administrative Code, which regulation governs water well drilling and
pump installation?
A) NMAC 19.27.2
B) NMAC 20.2.3
C) NM Statute 72-12
D) NMAC 19.30.5
Correct Answer: A) NMAC 19.27.2
Rationale: NMAC 19.27.2, titled "Water Well Drilling and Pump Installation," establishes the
regulatory framework for licensing and practice of well drillers and pump installers in New Mexico.
This code addresses construction standards, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations for
well-related work.
2. A pump installer must submit a pump installation report to the State Engineer's Office within
what timeframe?
A) 10 days
B) 30 days
C) 60 days
D) 90 days
Correct Answer: B) 30 days
Rationale: Pump installation reports must be filed with the State Engineer's Office within 30 days of
completing the installation. This reporting requirement ensures proper documentation of well pump
installations for regulatory oversight and groundwater management purposes.
3. What is the minimum work experience required to qualify for a Journeyman Water Well Pump
Installer license in New Mexico?
A) 1 year (2,000 hours)
B) 2 years (4,000 hours)
,C) 3 years (6,000 hours)
D) 4 years (8,000 hours)
Correct Answer: B) 2 years (4,000 hours)
Rationale: A Journeyman Pump Installer license requires 4,000 hours (approximately 2 years) of
practical pump installation experience. This experience ensures the installer has sufficient hands-on
knowledge of installation techniques, safety protocols, and system functionality before working
independently.
4. Which agency is primarily responsible for administering water well licensing and well
construction standards in New Mexico?
A) Construction Industries Division (CID)
B) State Engineer's Office (SEO)
C) New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
D) Public Regulation Commission (PRC)
Correct Answer: B) State Engineer's Office (SEO)
Rationale: The State Engineer's Office oversees water well licensing and construction standards
pursuant to the Water Well Drillers Licensing Act. While CID handles contractor licensing for trades,
the SEO administers well-specific regulations and licensing for drillers and pump installers.
5. The New Mexico Water Well Driller's and Pump Installer's Act requires a license for which of the
following activities?
A) Installing a well pump for compensation only on commercial properties
B) Installing, repairing, or replacing a water well pump for compensation
C) Only drilling new water wells
D) Pump installation performed by property owners on their own wells
Correct Answer: B) Installing, repairing, or replacing a water well pump for compensation
Rationale: The Act requires licensure for any person who installs, repairs, or replaces a water well
pump for compensation. This includes both residential and commercial work, reflecting the state's
interest in protecting groundwater resources and ensuring competent installation.
6. A well casing must extend at least what distance above ground level in New Mexico?
A) 6 inches
B) 12 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
Correct Answer: B) 12 inches
, Rationale: New Mexico regulations require the well casing to extend at least 12 inches above ground
level unless a pitless adapter is used. This height requirement helps prevent surface water and
contaminants from entering the well, protecting groundwater quality.
7. What is the primary purpose of a pitless adapter?
A) To increase pump pressure at the surface
B) To provide a frost-free, sanitary connection below grade
C) To reduce friction loss in the discharge pipe
D) To allow pump removal without pulling the well casing
Correct Answer: B) To provide a frost-free, sanitary connection below grade
Rationale: A pitless adapter creates a sealed, frost-free connection that allows the wellhead to be
buried below the frost line while maintaining a sanitary seal. This prevents surface water entry and
protects against freezing while enabling access to the pump.
8. What is the minimum distance required between a septic tank and a water well in New Mexico?
A) 25 feet
B) 50 feet
C) 100 feet
D) 200 feet
Correct Answer: B) 50 feet
Rationale: NMAC requires a minimum 50-foot separation between a septic tank and a water well.
This setback helps prevent contamination of the groundwater source from nearby sewage disposal
systems. The separation distance increases to 100 feet from leach fields.
9. What is the minimum distance required between a well and a livestock yard in New Mexico?
A) 25 feet
B) 50 feet
C) 100 feet
D) 200 feet
Correct Answer: B) 50 feet
Rationale: New Mexico regulations require a 50-foot setback between a well and livestock yards or
animal confinement areas. This separation minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination from animal
waste entering the groundwater supply through the well.
10. How often must a pump installer license be renewed in New Mexico?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years (biennially)
INSTALLER EXAM COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE |
GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY
GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION
PREPARATION
SECTION ONE — QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to New Mexico Administrative Code, which regulation governs water well drilling and
pump installation?
A) NMAC 19.27.2
B) NMAC 20.2.3
C) NM Statute 72-12
D) NMAC 19.30.5
Correct Answer: A) NMAC 19.27.2
Rationale: NMAC 19.27.2, titled "Water Well Drilling and Pump Installation," establishes the
regulatory framework for licensing and practice of well drillers and pump installers in New Mexico.
This code addresses construction standards, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations for
well-related work.
2. A pump installer must submit a pump installation report to the State Engineer's Office within
what timeframe?
A) 10 days
B) 30 days
C) 60 days
D) 90 days
Correct Answer: B) 30 days
Rationale: Pump installation reports must be filed with the State Engineer's Office within 30 days of
completing the installation. This reporting requirement ensures proper documentation of well pump
installations for regulatory oversight and groundwater management purposes.
3. What is the minimum work experience required to qualify for a Journeyman Water Well Pump
Installer license in New Mexico?
A) 1 year (2,000 hours)
B) 2 years (4,000 hours)
,C) 3 years (6,000 hours)
D) 4 years (8,000 hours)
Correct Answer: B) 2 years (4,000 hours)
Rationale: A Journeyman Pump Installer license requires 4,000 hours (approximately 2 years) of
practical pump installation experience. This experience ensures the installer has sufficient hands-on
knowledge of installation techniques, safety protocols, and system functionality before working
independently.
4. Which agency is primarily responsible for administering water well licensing and well
construction standards in New Mexico?
A) Construction Industries Division (CID)
B) State Engineer's Office (SEO)
C) New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
D) Public Regulation Commission (PRC)
Correct Answer: B) State Engineer's Office (SEO)
Rationale: The State Engineer's Office oversees water well licensing and construction standards
pursuant to the Water Well Drillers Licensing Act. While CID handles contractor licensing for trades,
the SEO administers well-specific regulations and licensing for drillers and pump installers.
5. The New Mexico Water Well Driller's and Pump Installer's Act requires a license for which of the
following activities?
A) Installing a well pump for compensation only on commercial properties
B) Installing, repairing, or replacing a water well pump for compensation
C) Only drilling new water wells
D) Pump installation performed by property owners on their own wells
Correct Answer: B) Installing, repairing, or replacing a water well pump for compensation
Rationale: The Act requires licensure for any person who installs, repairs, or replaces a water well
pump for compensation. This includes both residential and commercial work, reflecting the state's
interest in protecting groundwater resources and ensuring competent installation.
6. A well casing must extend at least what distance above ground level in New Mexico?
A) 6 inches
B) 12 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
Correct Answer: B) 12 inches
, Rationale: New Mexico regulations require the well casing to extend at least 12 inches above ground
level unless a pitless adapter is used. This height requirement helps prevent surface water and
contaminants from entering the well, protecting groundwater quality.
7. What is the primary purpose of a pitless adapter?
A) To increase pump pressure at the surface
B) To provide a frost-free, sanitary connection below grade
C) To reduce friction loss in the discharge pipe
D) To allow pump removal without pulling the well casing
Correct Answer: B) To provide a frost-free, sanitary connection below grade
Rationale: A pitless adapter creates a sealed, frost-free connection that allows the wellhead to be
buried below the frost line while maintaining a sanitary seal. This prevents surface water entry and
protects against freezing while enabling access to the pump.
8. What is the minimum distance required between a septic tank and a water well in New Mexico?
A) 25 feet
B) 50 feet
C) 100 feet
D) 200 feet
Correct Answer: B) 50 feet
Rationale: NMAC requires a minimum 50-foot separation between a septic tank and a water well.
This setback helps prevent contamination of the groundwater source from nearby sewage disposal
systems. The separation distance increases to 100 feet from leach fields.
9. What is the minimum distance required between a well and a livestock yard in New Mexico?
A) 25 feet
B) 50 feet
C) 100 feet
D) 200 feet
Correct Answer: B) 50 feet
Rationale: New Mexico regulations require a 50-foot setback between a well and livestock yards or
animal confinement areas. This separation minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination from animal
waste entering the groundwater supply through the well.
10. How often must a pump installer license be renewed in New Mexico?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years (biennially)
