Texas Water Class C Groundwater Operator Exam | TCEQ
Comprehensive QUESTION Bank & Verified Answers
2026/2027
QUESTION 1
A well is pumped at 200 GPM. The static water level is 50 feet and the
pumping water level is 90 feet. What is the specific capacity of the well?
A. 2.0 GPM/ft
B. 5.0 GPM/ft
C. 4.0 GPM/ft
D. 0.5 GPM/ft
Correct Answer: B. 5.0 GPM/ft
Detailed Rationale: Specific capacity is calculated as Pumping Rate
(GPM) divided by Drawdown (feet). Drawdown = Pumping Level (90) -
Static Level (50) = 40 feet. 200 GPM / 40 feet = 5 GPM/ft.
,QUESTION 2
What is the primary purpose of a "sanitary seal" at the top of a well
casing?
A. To keep the pump motor cool.
B. To prevent the entry of surface water, insects, and contaminants into
the well annulus.
C. To measure the water level.
D. To increase the pressure of the water.
Correct Answer: B. To prevent the entry of surface water, insects, and
contaminants into the well annulus.
Detailed Rationale: A wellhead must be sealed to prevent surface
contamination (like rain, bugs, or small animals) from entering the
aquifer or the well bore.
QUESTION 3
According to 30 TAC 290, how often must a groundwater system submit
a Monthly Operating Report (MOR) to the TCEQ?
,A. Every day.
B. By the 10th of the month following the end of the reporting period.
C. Only if a violation occurs.
D. Once a year.
Correct Answer: B. By the 10th of the month following the end of the
reporting period.
Detailed Rationale: TCEQ rules require systems to submit an accurate
MOR to ensure compliance with monitoring and operational standards.
QUESTION 4
What is the effect of lowering the pH of water on chlorine disinfection?
A. Chlorine becomes less effective.
B. Chlorine becomes more effective (more hypochlorous acid is
formed).
, C. It has no effect.
D. The water becomes cloudy.
Correct Answer: B. Chlorine becomes more effective (more
hypochlorous acid is formed).
Detailed Rationale: Chlorine is most effective as a disinfectant at a lower
pH because it exists primarily in the form of hypochlorous acid (HOCl),
which is a stronger disinfectant than hypochlorite ion (OCl-).
QUESTION 5
What is the purpose of the "annular space" grout in a well?
A. To increase the water yield.
B. To seal the space between the casing and the borehole to prevent
surface water seepage.
C. To hold the pump in place.
Comprehensive QUESTION Bank & Verified Answers
2026/2027
QUESTION 1
A well is pumped at 200 GPM. The static water level is 50 feet and the
pumping water level is 90 feet. What is the specific capacity of the well?
A. 2.0 GPM/ft
B. 5.0 GPM/ft
C. 4.0 GPM/ft
D. 0.5 GPM/ft
Correct Answer: B. 5.0 GPM/ft
Detailed Rationale: Specific capacity is calculated as Pumping Rate
(GPM) divided by Drawdown (feet). Drawdown = Pumping Level (90) -
Static Level (50) = 40 feet. 200 GPM / 40 feet = 5 GPM/ft.
,QUESTION 2
What is the primary purpose of a "sanitary seal" at the top of a well
casing?
A. To keep the pump motor cool.
B. To prevent the entry of surface water, insects, and contaminants into
the well annulus.
C. To measure the water level.
D. To increase the pressure of the water.
Correct Answer: B. To prevent the entry of surface water, insects, and
contaminants into the well annulus.
Detailed Rationale: A wellhead must be sealed to prevent surface
contamination (like rain, bugs, or small animals) from entering the
aquifer or the well bore.
QUESTION 3
According to 30 TAC 290, how often must a groundwater system submit
a Monthly Operating Report (MOR) to the TCEQ?
,A. Every day.
B. By the 10th of the month following the end of the reporting period.
C. Only if a violation occurs.
D. Once a year.
Correct Answer: B. By the 10th of the month following the end of the
reporting period.
Detailed Rationale: TCEQ rules require systems to submit an accurate
MOR to ensure compliance with monitoring and operational standards.
QUESTION 4
What is the effect of lowering the pH of water on chlorine disinfection?
A. Chlorine becomes less effective.
B. Chlorine becomes more effective (more hypochlorous acid is
formed).
, C. It has no effect.
D. The water becomes cloudy.
Correct Answer: B. Chlorine becomes more effective (more
hypochlorous acid is formed).
Detailed Rationale: Chlorine is most effective as a disinfectant at a lower
pH because it exists primarily in the form of hypochlorous acid (HOCl),
which is a stronger disinfectant than hypochlorite ion (OCl-).
QUESTION 5
What is the purpose of the "annular space" grout in a well?
A. To increase the water yield.
B. To seal the space between the casing and the borehole to prevent
surface water seepage.
C. To hold the pump in place.
