, Question 1
Under 30 TAC §344.10, which action by a licensed irrigator would constitute a
violation requiring mandatory reporting to TCEQ?
A. Installing a pressure vacuum breaker 6 inches above the highest
downstream outlet.
B. Using a double check valve assembly on a system with a fertigation
injector.
C. Failing to obtain a permit for a landscape irrigation system that
connects to a public water supply.
D. Repairing a broken lateral line without notifying the homeowner.
Correct Answer: C - Failing to obtain a permit for a landscape
irrigation system that connects to a public water supply.
RATIONALE
TCEQ requires permits for irrigation systems connected to public
water; failure to obtain one is a violation. A is compliant; B is
non-compliant because a reduced pressure zone assembly is required
with chemical injection; D is not a TCEQ-reportable offense.
Question 2
A zone has 12 pop-up spray heads, each with a 1.5 gpm nozzle, operating at 30
psi. If the zone runs for 20 minutes, what is the total volume of water applied
in gallons?
A. 360 gallons
B. 180 gallons
C. 540 gallons
D. 720 gallons
Correct Answer: A - 360 gallons
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Total flow = 12 × 1.5 = 18 gpm. Volume = 18 gpm × 20 min = 360
gallons. Other options miscalculate flow or time.
Question 3
Which backflow prevention assembly is required when a landscape irrigation
system is connected to a public water supply and has a fertilizer injection
system?
A. Pressure vacuum breaker
B. Double check valve assembly
C. Reduced pressure zone assembly
D. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
Correct Answer: C - Reduced pressure zone assembly
RATIONALE
Fertilizer injection creates a health hazard; only a reduced pressure
zone assembly provides protection against both backpressure and
backsiphonage. PVB and DCVA are insufficient; AVB cannot be used
under continuous pressure.
Question 4
A smart controller with soil moisture sensor integration is programmed to skip
cycles when soil moisture exceeds field capacity. Which soil texture would
most likely trigger frequent skip cycles in a clay loam?
A. Sandy loam
B. Clay loam
C. Loamy sand
D. Silt loam
Correct Answer: B - Clay loam
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Clay loam retains more water and reaches field capacity quickly,
causing frequent skip cycles. Sandy and loamy sand drain faster,
requiring more frequent irrigation.
Question 5
When designing a drip irrigation zone for a mixed landscape, which factor
most directly determines the maximum length of lateral tubing?
A. Emitter flow rate and inlet pressure
B. Soil infiltration rate
C. Plant water requirement
D. Filter mesh size
Correct Answer: A - Emitter flow rate and inlet pressure
RATIONALE
Lateral length is limited by pressure loss and emitter flow uniformity,
which depend on emitter flow rate and inlet pressure. Soil and plant
factors affect scheduling, not hydraulic length.
Question 6
A licensed irrigator is troubleshooting a zone where all heads have low
pressure. The pump is running, and the pressure gauge at the pump reads 50
psi, but the zone pressure is 20 psi. Which is the most likely cause?
A. Clogged nozzle on one head
B. Leak in the mainline between pump and zone valve
C. Improperly set pressure regulator
D. Undersized zone valve
Correct Answer: B - Leak in the mainline between pump and
zone valve
Page 4
Under 30 TAC §344.10, which action by a licensed irrigator would constitute a
violation requiring mandatory reporting to TCEQ?
A. Installing a pressure vacuum breaker 6 inches above the highest
downstream outlet.
B. Using a double check valve assembly on a system with a fertigation
injector.
C. Failing to obtain a permit for a landscape irrigation system that
connects to a public water supply.
D. Repairing a broken lateral line without notifying the homeowner.
Correct Answer: C - Failing to obtain a permit for a landscape
irrigation system that connects to a public water supply.
RATIONALE
TCEQ requires permits for irrigation systems connected to public
water; failure to obtain one is a violation. A is compliant; B is
non-compliant because a reduced pressure zone assembly is required
with chemical injection; D is not a TCEQ-reportable offense.
Question 2
A zone has 12 pop-up spray heads, each with a 1.5 gpm nozzle, operating at 30
psi. If the zone runs for 20 minutes, what is the total volume of water applied
in gallons?
A. 360 gallons
B. 180 gallons
C. 540 gallons
D. 720 gallons
Correct Answer: A - 360 gallons
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Total flow = 12 × 1.5 = 18 gpm. Volume = 18 gpm × 20 min = 360
gallons. Other options miscalculate flow or time.
Question 3
Which backflow prevention assembly is required when a landscape irrigation
system is connected to a public water supply and has a fertilizer injection
system?
A. Pressure vacuum breaker
B. Double check valve assembly
C. Reduced pressure zone assembly
D. Atmospheric vacuum breaker
Correct Answer: C - Reduced pressure zone assembly
RATIONALE
Fertilizer injection creates a health hazard; only a reduced pressure
zone assembly provides protection against both backpressure and
backsiphonage. PVB and DCVA are insufficient; AVB cannot be used
under continuous pressure.
Question 4
A smart controller with soil moisture sensor integration is programmed to skip
cycles when soil moisture exceeds field capacity. Which soil texture would
most likely trigger frequent skip cycles in a clay loam?
A. Sandy loam
B. Clay loam
C. Loamy sand
D. Silt loam
Correct Answer: B - Clay loam
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Clay loam retains more water and reaches field capacity quickly,
causing frequent skip cycles. Sandy and loamy sand drain faster,
requiring more frequent irrigation.
Question 5
When designing a drip irrigation zone for a mixed landscape, which factor
most directly determines the maximum length of lateral tubing?
A. Emitter flow rate and inlet pressure
B. Soil infiltration rate
C. Plant water requirement
D. Filter mesh size
Correct Answer: A - Emitter flow rate and inlet pressure
RATIONALE
Lateral length is limited by pressure loss and emitter flow uniformity,
which depend on emitter flow rate and inlet pressure. Soil and plant
factors affect scheduling, not hydraulic length.
Question 6
A licensed irrigator is troubleshooting a zone where all heads have low
pressure. The pump is running, and the pressure gauge at the pump reads 50
psi, but the zone pressure is 20 psi. Which is the most likely cause?
A. Clogged nozzle on one head
B. Leak in the mainline between pump and zone valve
C. Improperly set pressure regulator
D. Undersized zone valve
Correct Answer: B - Leak in the mainline between pump and
zone valve
Page 4
