C57 – Water Well Drilling Contractor

A well drilling contractor installs and repairs water wells and pumps by boring, drilling, excavating, casing, cementing and cleaning to provide a supply of uncontaminated water.

The Well Drilling (C-57) Examination is divided into five major sections. These sections are:

1. Job planning and estimating (18%)

• Site inspection
• Equipment selection
• Documentation

2. Drilling and boring (37%)

• Potential for contamination
• Equipment transport and use
• Drill boring and lithology log
• Completion of well construction

3. Pumping systems (18%)

• Pump installation
• Valve installation
• Piping installation
• Electrical control installation

4. Service and repair (9%)

• Defective part identification
• Defective system and component repair or replacement

5. Safety (18%)

• Work site hazards
• Public hazards
• Tool and equipment operation and maintenance

*Percentages are approximate*

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. Which of the following types of well would use Teflon well casing?

a.       Inclinometer

b.       Ag production

c.       Piezometer

d.      Monitoring

2. Which of the following components lowers and hoists drilling tools in and out of the well?

a.      Draw works

b.       Hoisting clutch

c.       Pinion gear

d.       Cathead

3. When sizing a pump to system requirements, which of the following conditions will directly impact the pump horsepower rating?

a.       Well depth

b.      Pumping level

c.       Well diameter

d.       Static water level

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*

Groundwater and Wells Second Edition, U.S. Filter/Johnson Screens.

St. Paul, MN 55112.
Mower House Color Graphics Inc.
508 10th St. NE,
Austin, MN 55912.
(800) 397-6110
INTERNET: www.johnsonscreens.com/p_groundwater.asp

Standard Practice Manual, California Groundwater Assn.

P.O. Box 14369
Santa Rosa, CA 95402-6369
(707) 578-4408
FAX: (707) 546-4906.
INTERNET: www.groundh2o.org

Water Well Standards: State of California Bulletin 74-81.

State of California – Resources Agency
Department of Water Resources
P.O. Box 942836,
Sacramento, CA 94236-6001
(916) 653-1097
INTERNET: www.dpla2.water.ca.gov

California Well Standards Bulletin 74-90.

California Department of Water Resources
Bulletins & Reports Section,
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
(916) 653-1097
INTERNET: www.dpla2.water.ca.gov