GUIDE: Texas Irrigator License Study Guide
Questions and Answers
Absorption Rate/ Infiltration Rate Correct Answer-The rate (or speed) at which soil will
accept water.
Actual Head Pressure Correct Answer-The operating pressure measured at the base of a
sprinkler head. It must be equal to or greater than minimum head pressure to function
correctly.
Formula: Static Pressure-Total Pressure Loss
Air Relief Valve Correct Answer-Small device used on some drip irrigation that allows air
into the dripline when the system is not running which eliminates any vacuum that could
result in debris or contaminants being sucking into the line.
Application Rate/Precipitation Rate Correct Answer-Rate at which water is applied by
sprinkler heads in a certain pattern. Measure in inches per hours, gallons per hours, or gallons
per day.
Formula: 96.3 X Total GPM/ Total Area
, GUIDE: Texas Irrigator License Study Guide
Questions and Answers
Water Audit Correct Answer-The most accurate method to evaluate precipitation rates.
You will collect water using catchment devices.
Arc Correct Answer-The surface area of the landscape to which a sprinkler head will
provide water. Described in degrees or part of a full circle (360 degrees).
Example: a 90 degree arc would be a quarter circle head, a 180 degree arc would be a half
circle head, a 360 degree arc would be a full circle head.
As-Built Plan Correct Answer-A corrected or redrawn plan showing the "actual scaled"
location of all major components of the system and other information the property owner
might require. Zone valves are the most important component to locate.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Correct Answer-A backflow prevention device that allows air
into the piping system, with the use of a float that moves up and down, to prevent
backsiphonage. This is no longer allowed in Texas.
, GUIDE: Texas Irrigator License Study Guide
Questions and Answers
Backflow Correct Answer-An unwanted reversal of the flow of water in a piping system
which can potentially allow non-potable water to pollute or contaminate the potable water
supply.
Backpressure Correct Answer-Any condition that could create pressure in the discharge
side of the piping system that is greater than that of the supply side of the system. This can
because by gravity (due to elevation) or a pump.
Backsiphonage Correct Answer-A form of backflow due to negative or sub-atmospheric
pressure within the water system. Caused by a city main like break, or the fire department
using water nearby for a fire.
Backflow Prevention Methods Correct Answer-1. Air Gap
2. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (Not allowed in Texas)
3. Pressure Vacuum Breaker
4. Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker
5. Double Check Valve Assembly
6. Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly
Questions and Answers
Absorption Rate/ Infiltration Rate Correct Answer-The rate (or speed) at which soil will
accept water.
Actual Head Pressure Correct Answer-The operating pressure measured at the base of a
sprinkler head. It must be equal to or greater than minimum head pressure to function
correctly.
Formula: Static Pressure-Total Pressure Loss
Air Relief Valve Correct Answer-Small device used on some drip irrigation that allows air
into the dripline when the system is not running which eliminates any vacuum that could
result in debris or contaminants being sucking into the line.
Application Rate/Precipitation Rate Correct Answer-Rate at which water is applied by
sprinkler heads in a certain pattern. Measure in inches per hours, gallons per hours, or gallons
per day.
Formula: 96.3 X Total GPM/ Total Area
, GUIDE: Texas Irrigator License Study Guide
Questions and Answers
Water Audit Correct Answer-The most accurate method to evaluate precipitation rates.
You will collect water using catchment devices.
Arc Correct Answer-The surface area of the landscape to which a sprinkler head will
provide water. Described in degrees or part of a full circle (360 degrees).
Example: a 90 degree arc would be a quarter circle head, a 180 degree arc would be a half
circle head, a 360 degree arc would be a full circle head.
As-Built Plan Correct Answer-A corrected or redrawn plan showing the "actual scaled"
location of all major components of the system and other information the property owner
might require. Zone valves are the most important component to locate.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Correct Answer-A backflow prevention device that allows air
into the piping system, with the use of a float that moves up and down, to prevent
backsiphonage. This is no longer allowed in Texas.
, GUIDE: Texas Irrigator License Study Guide
Questions and Answers
Backflow Correct Answer-An unwanted reversal of the flow of water in a piping system
which can potentially allow non-potable water to pollute or contaminate the potable water
supply.
Backpressure Correct Answer-Any condition that could create pressure in the discharge
side of the piping system that is greater than that of the supply side of the system. This can
because by gravity (due to elevation) or a pump.
Backsiphonage Correct Answer-A form of backflow due to negative or sub-atmospheric
pressure within the water system. Caused by a city main like break, or the fire department
using water nearby for a fire.
Backflow Prevention Methods Correct Answer-1. Air Gap
2. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (Not allowed in Texas)
3. Pressure Vacuum Breaker
4. Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker
5. Double Check Valve Assembly
6. Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly
