NGWA WATER SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION
EXAMINATION COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR JUST RELEASED
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Water
Systems Certification Examination is designed for
groundwater professionals involved in pump installation,
water systems operation, well construction,
troubleshooting, maintenance, hydraulics, safety, and
water system performance. Candidates pursuing the
Certified Pump Installer (CPI) designation must pass the
Water Systems General Exam and a specialized water
systems examination with a minimum score of 70%. The
exam evaluates technical knowledge, calculations,
equipment selection, installation practices, maintenance
procedures, safety requirements, and problem-solving
skills.
Exam Coverage
Hydraulics Fundamentals – Understanding pressure,
flow, head loss, velocity, and pumping principles.
, Pump Selection and Installation – Choosing proper
pumps for specific applications and site conditions.
Electrical Components – Motors, controls, starters,
overload protection, and troubleshooting.
Water System Components – Pressure tanks, valves,
piping, fittings, gauges, and accessories.
Groundwater Systems – Well construction basics,
aquifers, well performance, and groundwater
protection.
System Maintenance – Preventive maintenance,
inspections, repairs, and equipment replacement.
Troubleshooting – Diagnosing pressure, flow,
electrical, and mechanical problems.
Water Quality – Contaminants, sampling, treatment
methods, and system sanitation.
Safety Practices – Electrical safety, confined spaces,
lifting operations, PPE, and hazard recognition.
Mathematics – Flow calculations, pump efficiency,
pressure conversions, tank sizing, and chemical dosage
calculations.
Codes and Standards – Industry standards,
documentation requirements, and compliance
practices.
, Customer Relations and Professional Practice –
Communication, service documentation, and ethical
conduct.
1.
A technician installs a new submersible pump that
consistently delivers less flow than expected despite
normal motor amperage readings. Which condition should
be investigated first?
A. Excessive discharge head
B. Oversized pressure tank
C. Water softener bypass position
D. Excessive chlorine residual
Answer: A
Rationale: Excessive total dynamic head commonly
reduces flow while amperage remains within normal
operating range.
2.
During maintenance, an operator discovers rapid pressure
fluctuations whenever a pump starts and stops repeatedly
throughout the day. What is the most likely cause?
, A. Oversized well casing
B. Water hammer from air volume problems
C. Excessive static water level
D. Low chlorine demand
Answer: B
Rationale: Air-volume imbalance and cycling problems
often create pressure surges and water hammer.
3.
A pressure gauge located immediately downstream of a
pump indicates 69 psi. Approximately how many feet of
head does this represent?
A. 30 feet
B. 69 feet
C. 159 feet
D. 300 feet
Answer: C
Rationale: 1 psi ≈ 2.31 feet of head. 69 × 2.31 ≈ 159 feet.
4.
EXAMINATION COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR JUST RELEASED
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Water
Systems Certification Examination is designed for
groundwater professionals involved in pump installation,
water systems operation, well construction,
troubleshooting, maintenance, hydraulics, safety, and
water system performance. Candidates pursuing the
Certified Pump Installer (CPI) designation must pass the
Water Systems General Exam and a specialized water
systems examination with a minimum score of 70%. The
exam evaluates technical knowledge, calculations,
equipment selection, installation practices, maintenance
procedures, safety requirements, and problem-solving
skills.
Exam Coverage
Hydraulics Fundamentals – Understanding pressure,
flow, head loss, velocity, and pumping principles.
, Pump Selection and Installation – Choosing proper
pumps for specific applications and site conditions.
Electrical Components – Motors, controls, starters,
overload protection, and troubleshooting.
Water System Components – Pressure tanks, valves,
piping, fittings, gauges, and accessories.
Groundwater Systems – Well construction basics,
aquifers, well performance, and groundwater
protection.
System Maintenance – Preventive maintenance,
inspections, repairs, and equipment replacement.
Troubleshooting – Diagnosing pressure, flow,
electrical, and mechanical problems.
Water Quality – Contaminants, sampling, treatment
methods, and system sanitation.
Safety Practices – Electrical safety, confined spaces,
lifting operations, PPE, and hazard recognition.
Mathematics – Flow calculations, pump efficiency,
pressure conversions, tank sizing, and chemical dosage
calculations.
Codes and Standards – Industry standards,
documentation requirements, and compliance
practices.
, Customer Relations and Professional Practice –
Communication, service documentation, and ethical
conduct.
1.
A technician installs a new submersible pump that
consistently delivers less flow than expected despite
normal motor amperage readings. Which condition should
be investigated first?
A. Excessive discharge head
B. Oversized pressure tank
C. Water softener bypass position
D. Excessive chlorine residual
Answer: A
Rationale: Excessive total dynamic head commonly
reduces flow while amperage remains within normal
operating range.
2.
During maintenance, an operator discovers rapid pressure
fluctuations whenever a pump starts and stops repeatedly
throughout the day. What is the most likely cause?
, A. Oversized well casing
B. Water hammer from air volume problems
C. Excessive static water level
D. Low chlorine demand
Answer: B
Rationale: Air-volume imbalance and cycling problems
often create pressure surges and water hammer.
3.
A pressure gauge located immediately downstream of a
pump indicates 69 psi. Approximately how many feet of
head does this represent?
A. 30 feet
B. 69 feet
C. 159 feet
D. 300 feet
Answer: C
Rationale: 1 psi ≈ 2.31 feet of head. 69 × 2.31 ≈ 159 feet.
4.
