NGWA GENERAL DRILLING QUEATIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026 GRADE A+
Artesian Pressure - ANSWER-Pressure from confined groundwater due to gravity.
Sandstones - ANSWER-Rocks formed from ancient sand deposits.
Limestones - ANSWER-Rocks containing fossils from shallow seas.
Shales - ANSWER-Rocks formed from ancient clay beds.
Sedimentary Formations - ANSWER-Rock layers that can exceed one mile deep.
Chain and Drive Shaft Guards - ANSWER-Safety devices that must remain in
place.
Drilling Fluid Functions - ANSWER-Cool bits, remove cuttings, stabilize holes.
Preventative Maintenance Program - ANSWER-Enhances operators' understanding
of equipment.
Drilling Rig Fueling - ANSWER-Should occur each morning before drilling.
, Engine Start Protocol - ANSWER-Engines must be neutral and clutches
disengaged.
Drilling Mud Design - ANSWER-Tailored for specific well conditions.
Wire Rope Wear Causes - ANSWER-Overloading, jerking, and kinking damage
ropes.
Large Column Screen Well - ANSWER-Requires sample analysis for proper
construction.
Pipe Diameter Increase - ANSWER-Allows larger pumping equipment for better
yield.
Qualified Well Designer - ANSWER-Hydrogeologist is most qualified for design.
Well Screen Intake Velocity - ANSWER-Should be less than 1 foot/second.
Reduced Yield Causes - ANSWER-Screen incrustation can decrease water yield.
Screen Diameter Effect - ANSWER-Doubling diameter increases capacity by 7-
10%.
Sample Collection Importance - ANSWER-Helps correlate formations across
different areas.
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026 GRADE A+
Artesian Pressure - ANSWER-Pressure from confined groundwater due to gravity.
Sandstones - ANSWER-Rocks formed from ancient sand deposits.
Limestones - ANSWER-Rocks containing fossils from shallow seas.
Shales - ANSWER-Rocks formed from ancient clay beds.
Sedimentary Formations - ANSWER-Rock layers that can exceed one mile deep.
Chain and Drive Shaft Guards - ANSWER-Safety devices that must remain in
place.
Drilling Fluid Functions - ANSWER-Cool bits, remove cuttings, stabilize holes.
Preventative Maintenance Program - ANSWER-Enhances operators' understanding
of equipment.
Drilling Rig Fueling - ANSWER-Should occur each morning before drilling.
, Engine Start Protocol - ANSWER-Engines must be neutral and clutches
disengaged.
Drilling Mud Design - ANSWER-Tailored for specific well conditions.
Wire Rope Wear Causes - ANSWER-Overloading, jerking, and kinking damage
ropes.
Large Column Screen Well - ANSWER-Requires sample analysis for proper
construction.
Pipe Diameter Increase - ANSWER-Allows larger pumping equipment for better
yield.
Qualified Well Designer - ANSWER-Hydrogeologist is most qualified for design.
Well Screen Intake Velocity - ANSWER-Should be less than 1 foot/second.
Reduced Yield Causes - ANSWER-Screen incrustation can decrease water yield.
Screen Diameter Effect - ANSWER-Doubling diameter increases capacity by 7-
10%.
Sample Collection Importance - ANSWER-Helps correlate formations across
different areas.
