Free Water Well Drilling Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Water Well Drilling Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which drilling methods do Louisiana's water-well construction rules identify as permitted by the state's geologic conditions?

   1. A. Rotary and reverse circulation
   2. B. Cable tool and sonic only
   3. C. Direct push and hollow-stem auger only
   4. D. Jetting and hand boring only

   Answer: A

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§323.A states: “Geologic conditions in Louisiana permit the use of two methods of drilling: the rotary method and reverse circulation method.”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§323.A

2. 2Which joint methods satisfy Louisiana's watertightness rule for metal well casing?

   1. A. Solvent-welded or glued
   2. B. Pinned or riveted
   3. C. Threaded couplings or welding
   4. D. Compression wrap or tape

   Answer: C

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§325.B.3 states: “Joints of metal casing shall have threaded couplings or be welded to ensure water tightness for the entire length.”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§325.B.3

3. 3What is the maximum bentonite content by dry weight of cement in Louisiana cement-bentonite annular slurry?

   1. A. 8 percent
   2. B. 10 percent
   3. C. 12 percent
   4. D. 15 percent

   Answer: A

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§329.B.1 limits the mixture to “not more than 8 percent bentonite by dry weight of the cement.”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§329.B.1

4. 4What is Louisiana's minimum horizontal separation between a water well and a septic tank?

   1. A. 25 feet
   2. B. 30 feet
   3. C. 40 feet
   4. D. 50 feet

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The table in LAC 56:I.§315.A lists “Septic Tanks” with a minimum distance of “50” feet.

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§315.A

5. 5Which standard does Louisiana identify for water-well plumbness and alignment testing?

   1. A. NFPA 70
   2. B. API Specification 5L
   3. C. AWWA A-100
   4. D. ASTM D-2241

   Answer: C

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§323.I says plumbness and alignment testing is described in “the current American Water Works Association Standards for Water Wells (AWWA A-100).”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§323.I

6. 6For which Louisiana wells are vent pipes required rather than merely recommended?

   1. A. All domestic wells
   2. B. All irrigation wells
   3. C. All rig-supply wells
   4. D. All public-supply wells

   Answer: D

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§333.A states: “Vents are required for all public supply water wells and are recommended for use on wells used for other purposes.”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§333.A

7. 7Under OSHA construction rules, what is the employer's basic duty concerning protective equipment used by a drilling crew?

   1. A. Provide, use, and maintain it in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever hazards require it
   2. B. Provide it only after an employee reports an injury
   3. C. Permit employees to substitute ordinary clothing for required PPE
   4. D. Maintain it only when the manufacturer offers free service

   Answer: A

   Explanation: 29 CFR 1926.95(a) requires protective equipment to “be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards.”

   Reference: 1926.95 - Criteria for personal protective equipment. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration — 29 CFR 1926.95(a)

8. 8What water may a Louisiana contractor use in drilling operations to protect water-bearing formations?

   1. A. Untreated surface water if filtered
   2. B. Potable or chlorinated water
   3. C. Any clear water from the mud pit
   4. D. Produced water diluted with fresh water

   Answer: B

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§323.B provides: “Water used in drilling operations shall be potable or chlorinated to prevent contamination of water-bearing formations.”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§323.B

9. 9What minimum wall-thickness equivalent applies when threaded joints are used on thermoplastic well casing in Louisiana?

   1. A. Schedule 20
   2. B. Schedule 40
   3. C. SDR 41
   4. D. Schedule 80

   Answer: D

   Explanation: LAC 56:I.§325.G.3 provides: “Where threaded joints are used, wall thickness shall not be less than the equivalent of Schedule 80.”

   Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§325.G.3

10. 10What is the maximum water allowed per 94-pound sack of cement in Louisiana cement-bentonite slurry?

    1. A. 5 gallons
    2. B. 10 gallons
    3. C. 12 gallons
    4. D. 15 gallons

    Answer: B

    Explanation: LAC 56:I.§329.B.1 specifies “a maximum of 10 gallons of water per sack (94 pounds) of cement.”

    Reference: Lac Title 56 Water Well Rules — LAC 56:I.§329.B.1