TCEQ Irrigator (Hydraulics) Application Exam Prep 2025–2026 | Complete Study Guide with Verified Questions, Answers & Rationales | Texas Irrigation License Test Bank

TCEQ Irrigator (Hydraulics) Application Exam Prep
2025–2026 | Complete Study Guide with Verified
Questions, Answers & Rationales | Texas Irrigation
License Test Bank

Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a hydraulic system in irrigation?
A) To filter water
B) To distribute water
C) To measure pressure
D) To treat water
Rationale: Hydraulic systems are designed to efficiently distribute water throughout an
irrigation system.


Question 2:
If a pump has a flow rate of 100 gallons per minute (GPM) and operates for 2 hours, how
many gallons of water will it move?
A) 200 gallons
B) 12,000 gallons
C) 600 gallons
D) 800 gallons
Rationale: The total flow is calculated as 100 GPM×120 minutes=12,000 gallons100
\text{ GPM} \times 120 \text{ minutes} = 12,000 \text{
gallons}100 GPM×120 minutes=12,000 gallons.


Question 3:
What is the formula to calculate the pressure drop (head loss) in a pipe due to friction?
A) hf=QAh_f = \frac{Q}{A}hf=AQ
B) hf=fLv22gDh_f = \frac{fLv^2}{2gD}hf=2gDfLv2
C) hf=PAh_f = \frac{P}{A}hf=AP
D) hf=DLh_f = \frac{D}{L}hf=LD
Rationale: This equation, known as the Darcy-Weisbach equation, calculates head loss
due to friction in a pipe.


Question 4:
What is the primary factor that affects the velocity of water in a pipe?
A) Pipe diameter
B) Water temperature

,C) Water density
D) Pump horsepower
Rationale: The velocity of water increases as the diameter of the pipe decreases,
according to the principle of continuity.


Question 5:
In a pressurized irrigation system, what is the typical pressure range for optimal
operation?
A) 10-20 psi
B) 20-30 psi
C) 30-50 psi
D) 50-70 psi
Rationale: A pressure range of 30-50 psi is generally optimal for most pressurized
irrigation systems.


Question 6:
What type of pump is most commonly used in irrigation systems?
A) Centrifugal pump
B) Submersible pump
C) Positive displacement pump
D) Diaphragm pump
Rationale: Positive displacement pumps are commonly used in irrigation due to their
ability to handle varying flow rates.


Question 7:
When calculating flow rate, which unit is typically used in irrigation systems?
A) Feet per second
B) Liters per minute
C) Cubic feet per hour
D) Gallons per minute
Rationale: Gallons per minute (GPM) is a standard unit of measurement for flow rate in
irrigation systems.


Question 8:
What does the term "head" refer to in hydraulics?

,A) The height of water above a reference point
B) The pressure of water
C) The flow rate of water
D) The temperature of water
Rationale: "Head" refers to the height of water above a reference point, which is a
measure of potential energy.


Question 9:
In a pipe system, what effect does reducing the pipe diameter have on flow velocity?
A) Decreases flow velocity
B) Increases flow velocity
C) No effect on flow velocity
D) Increases pressure
Rationale: Reducing the pipe diameter increases flow velocity due to the principle of
continuity.


Question 10:
What is a common method to calculate the total dynamic head (TDH) in a pump
system?
A) Sum of static head and friction head
B) Static head plus friction head plus velocity head
C) Static head minus friction head
D) Static head only
Rationale: Total dynamic head (TDH) includes static head, friction head, and velocity
head.
Question 11:
What is the unit of measurement for pressure in an irrigation system?
A) Gallons
B) Liters
C) Feet
D) Pounds per square inch (psi)
Rationale: Pressure in irrigation systems is commonly measured in pounds per square
inch (psi).


Question 12:
Which of the following factors affects the efficiency of an irrigation system?

, A) Soil type
B) Crop type
C) Weather conditions
D) All of the above
Rationale: All listed factors can significantly affect the efficiency of an irrigation
system.


Question 13:
What is the purpose of a pressure regulator in an irrigation system?
A) To increase pressure
B) To maintain consistent pressure
C) To filter water
D) To measure flow rate
Rationale: Pressure regulators are used to maintain consistent pressure within the
system to prevent damage and ensure uniform irrigation.


Question 14:
Which type of irrigation system uses gravity to deliver water?
A) Surface irrigation
B) Drip irrigation
C) Sprinkler irrigation
D) Subsurface irrigation
Rationale: Surface irrigation relies on gravity to distribute water across the field.


Question 15:
What does the term "flow rate" refer to in hydraulics?
A) The speed of water
B) The pressure of water
C) The volume of water passing a point per unit time
D) The height of water
Rationale: Flow rate measures the volume of water passing a point in the system per
unit time.


Question 16:
What is the primary advantage of drip irrigation over traditional methods?