TCEQ OSSF Installer II Practice Course
Review 2025/2026 | Texas TCEQ Exam
Questions with Detailed Answer
Explanations
In the hydrologic cycle, water moves by evaporation and transpiration into the
___________________ where it comes in contact with cooler air, condenses, and
falls to the ground in the form of _____________________ (sleet, snow, hail or
rain), and the surface water supply through _____________________. - ANSWER-
ATMOSPHERE, PRECIPITATION, RUNOFF
The term ___________ _____________ refers to water that collects beneath the
surface of the earth in porous, permeable, water-bearing geologic formations or
aquifers. - ANSWER-GROUND WATER
The term __________ _____________ refers to water that is found above ground
in containment areas, such as lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and reservoirs. -
ANSWER-SURFACE WATERS
Water table aquifers are recharged by ___________ __________________. -
ANSWER-LOCAL PERCOLATION.
,Rock-filled or lined pits dug at least 4 feet deep at the end of a septic tank
absorption field system are called _________ _________. - ANSWER-SEEPAGE
PITS.
Pits constructed in permeable soil with open-jointed material along the sides to
the bottom of the pit that receive a direct discharge of raw waste water are called
__________________. - ANSWER-CESSPOOLS.
How are water born diseases transmitted? - ANSWER-MICROORGANISMS
What are 3 primary routes of containment for pathogenetic microorganisms and
harmful chemicals from on-site sewage systems to our environment? - ANSWER-
Neighborhood pollution, groundwater pollution and surface water pollution.
What problems are a result of neighborhood pollution? - ANSWER-~Diseases that
can be spread by direct or indirect contact with the standing water.
~Vectors such as roaches and flies, that can also spread diseases after coming in
contact with the waste water.
~Unsightly and unpleasant living conditions that result from the standing waste
water.
~Feuds and bad relationships with neighbors that can result from waste water
problems.
, ~Property values drop and real estate transactions fall through. No one benefits
and everyone suffers when neighborhoods are fouled by waste water.
Why is acceptable quality water vital? - ANSWER-Sustains human life, the natural
environment and the economic life of Texas
Groundwater that is obtained via a well can be used for what purpose? - ANSWER-
Agricultural, industrial/commercial and drinking water.
What is the difference between a water table aquifer and an artesian aquifer? -
ANSWER-Water table aquifer is in direct contact with either the soil or the
intermediate belt.
Artesian is overplayed by a layer of impervious material.
What is the static water level? - ANSWER-Level at which water stands in a well.
What are the 2 categories of sources of pollutants in surface water? - ANSWER-
Point source pollution.
Non-point source pollution.
What is the difference between point source and nonpoint source pollution? -
ANSWER-Point source can be controlled, non point source has little or no control.
Review 2025/2026 | Texas TCEQ Exam
Questions with Detailed Answer
Explanations
In the hydrologic cycle, water moves by evaporation and transpiration into the
___________________ where it comes in contact with cooler air, condenses, and
falls to the ground in the form of _____________________ (sleet, snow, hail or
rain), and the surface water supply through _____________________. - ANSWER-
ATMOSPHERE, PRECIPITATION, RUNOFF
The term ___________ _____________ refers to water that collects beneath the
surface of the earth in porous, permeable, water-bearing geologic formations or
aquifers. - ANSWER-GROUND WATER
The term __________ _____________ refers to water that is found above ground
in containment areas, such as lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and reservoirs. -
ANSWER-SURFACE WATERS
Water table aquifers are recharged by ___________ __________________. -
ANSWER-LOCAL PERCOLATION.
,Rock-filled or lined pits dug at least 4 feet deep at the end of a septic tank
absorption field system are called _________ _________. - ANSWER-SEEPAGE
PITS.
Pits constructed in permeable soil with open-jointed material along the sides to
the bottom of the pit that receive a direct discharge of raw waste water are called
__________________. - ANSWER-CESSPOOLS.
How are water born diseases transmitted? - ANSWER-MICROORGANISMS
What are 3 primary routes of containment for pathogenetic microorganisms and
harmful chemicals from on-site sewage systems to our environment? - ANSWER-
Neighborhood pollution, groundwater pollution and surface water pollution.
What problems are a result of neighborhood pollution? - ANSWER-~Diseases that
can be spread by direct or indirect contact with the standing water.
~Vectors such as roaches and flies, that can also spread diseases after coming in
contact with the waste water.
~Unsightly and unpleasant living conditions that result from the standing waste
water.
~Feuds and bad relationships with neighbors that can result from waste water
problems.
, ~Property values drop and real estate transactions fall through. No one benefits
and everyone suffers when neighborhoods are fouled by waste water.
Why is acceptable quality water vital? - ANSWER-Sustains human life, the natural
environment and the economic life of Texas
Groundwater that is obtained via a well can be used for what purpose? - ANSWER-
Agricultural, industrial/commercial and drinking water.
What is the difference between a water table aquifer and an artesian aquifer? -
ANSWER-Water table aquifer is in direct contact with either the soil or the
intermediate belt.
Artesian is overplayed by a layer of impervious material.
What is the static water level? - ANSWER-Level at which water stands in a well.
What are the 2 categories of sources of pollutants in surface water? - ANSWER-
Point source pollution.
Non-point source pollution.
What is the difference between point source and nonpoint source pollution? -
ANSWER-Point source can be controlled, non point source has little or no control.
