TCEQ OSSF LATEST VERSION EXAM PREP | VERIFIED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
2026/2027
1. In the hydrologic cycle, water moves by evaporation and
transpiration into the ______________ where it comes in contact with
cooler air, condenses, and falls to the ground in the form of
______________ (sleet, snow, hail or rain), and the surface water
supply through ______________.
ANSWER : atmosphere; precipitation; runoff.
2. The term ___________ _____________ refers to water that collects
beneath the surface of the earth in porous, permeable, water-bearing
geologic formations or aquifers.
ANSWER : groundwater.
3. The term __________ _____________ refers to water that is found
above ground in containment areas, such as lakes, rivers, streams,
creeks and reservoirs.
ANSWER : surface water.
4. Water table aquifers are recharged by ___________
__________________.
ANSWER : local percolation.
5. Rock-filled or lined pits dug at least 4 feet deep at the end of a septic
tank absorption field system are called _________ _________.
ANSWER : seepage pits.
6. Pits constructed in permeable soil with open-jointed material along
the sides to the bottom of the pit that receive a direct discharge of
raw waste water are called __________________.
ANSWER : cesspools.
, 7. How are waterborne diseases transmitted?
ANSWER : Through microorganisms.
8. What are three primary routes of containment for pathogenic
microorganisms and harmful chemicals from on-site sewage systems
to our environment?
ANSWER : Neighborhood pollution, groundwater pollution, and surface water
pollution.
9. What problems are a result of neighborhood pollution?
ANSWER : Diseases spread by contact with standing water; vectors
(roaches/flies) spreading disease; unsightly/unpleasant conditions; feuds with
neighbors; and dropping property values.
10.Why is acceptable quality water vital?
ANSWER : It sustains human life, the natural environment, and the economic
life of Texas.
11.Groundwater that is obtained via a well can be used for what
purpose?
ANSWER : Agricultural, industrial/commercial, and drinking water.
12.What is the difference between a water table aquifer and an artesian
aquifer?
ANSWER : A water table aquifer is in direct contact with soil or the
intermediate belt, while an artesian aquifer is overlayed by a layer of
impervious material.
13.What is the static water level?
ANSWER : The level at which water stands in a well.
14.What are the two categories of sources of pollutants in surface
water?
ANSWER : Point source pollution and non-point source pollution.
15.What is the difference between point source and nonpoint source
pollution?
ANSWER : Point source can be controlled (identifiable source); non-point
source has little or no control (diffuse runoff).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
2026/2027
1. In the hydrologic cycle, water moves by evaporation and
transpiration into the ______________ where it comes in contact with
cooler air, condenses, and falls to the ground in the form of
______________ (sleet, snow, hail or rain), and the surface water
supply through ______________.
ANSWER : atmosphere; precipitation; runoff.
2. The term ___________ _____________ refers to water that collects
beneath the surface of the earth in porous, permeable, water-bearing
geologic formations or aquifers.
ANSWER : groundwater.
3. The term __________ _____________ refers to water that is found
above ground in containment areas, such as lakes, rivers, streams,
creeks and reservoirs.
ANSWER : surface water.
4. Water table aquifers are recharged by ___________
__________________.
ANSWER : local percolation.
5. Rock-filled or lined pits dug at least 4 feet deep at the end of a septic
tank absorption field system are called _________ _________.
ANSWER : seepage pits.
6. Pits constructed in permeable soil with open-jointed material along
the sides to the bottom of the pit that receive a direct discharge of
raw waste water are called __________________.
ANSWER : cesspools.
, 7. How are waterborne diseases transmitted?
ANSWER : Through microorganisms.
8. What are three primary routes of containment for pathogenic
microorganisms and harmful chemicals from on-site sewage systems
to our environment?
ANSWER : Neighborhood pollution, groundwater pollution, and surface water
pollution.
9. What problems are a result of neighborhood pollution?
ANSWER : Diseases spread by contact with standing water; vectors
(roaches/flies) spreading disease; unsightly/unpleasant conditions; feuds with
neighbors; and dropping property values.
10.Why is acceptable quality water vital?
ANSWER : It sustains human life, the natural environment, and the economic
life of Texas.
11.Groundwater that is obtained via a well can be used for what
purpose?
ANSWER : Agricultural, industrial/commercial, and drinking water.
12.What is the difference between a water table aquifer and an artesian
aquifer?
ANSWER : A water table aquifer is in direct contact with soil or the
intermediate belt, while an artesian aquifer is overlayed by a layer of
impervious material.
13.What is the static water level?
ANSWER : The level at which water stands in a well.
14.What are the two categories of sources of pollutants in surface
water?
ANSWER : Point source pollution and non-point source pollution.
15.What is the difference between point source and nonpoint source
pollution?
ANSWER : Point source can be controlled (identifiable source); non-point
source has little or no control (diffuse runoff).
