GA Well Driller study plan

List the five minimum well-construction elements required by the Georgia Water Well Standards (casing, grout, screen, annular seal, cap) and state the purpose of each.

Diagram a typical residential well showing casing diameter, grout depth, screen interval, and pitless adapter placement, labeling all dimensions.

Compare three casing materials (steel, PVC, and stainless steel) on strength, corrosion resistance, and appropriate use cases.

Calculate the annular space volume for a 6-inch casing inside a 10-inch borehole to 100 feet, and convert that volume to gallons of grout.

Explain the purpose of grouting and describe the three common grout types (neat cement, bentonite, cement-bentonite) with their mixing ratios and set times.

Describe the correct method for placing grout (tremie pipe from bottom up) and identify three common grouting failures and their consequences.

Outline the steps for setting a surface casing and sealing the annular space to the required depth in Georgia.

Calculate the number of sacks of cement needed for a 50-foot annulus of 8-inch hole with 5-inch casing, using a yield of 1.15 cubic feet per sack.

Define the water table, confined aquifer, and artesian well, and sketch each in a simple hydrogeologic cross-section.

Interpret a pump test (drawdown vs. time) to estimate transmissivity and specific capacity using the Theis or Cooper-Jacob method on a provided dataset.

Identify the major physiographic provinces of Georgia (Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau) and list typical well yields and depths for each.

Explain how to site a well using a topographic map and existing well records, and list three setback requirements from the Georgia rules.

Compare rotary, cable-tool, and air-percussion drilling methods on penetration rate, sample quality, and formation suitability.

Describe the correct procedure for setting up a drilling rig, including leveling, mast erection, and conductor pipe installation.

List the steps to collect and log drill cuttings and core samples, and record them on a standard lithology log.

Identify three common drilling problems (lost circulation, stuck pipe, hole collapse) and state a remedy for each.

Describe three well-development methods (surge block, air-lift, jetting) and state when each is appropriate.

Outline a 24-hour pump test procedure, including drawdown and recovery measurements, and calculate specific capacity from the data.

Explain the disinfection procedure using chlorine, including concentration, contact time, and proper disposal of chlorinated water.

Identify the main components of a submersible pump system (pump, motor, drop pipe, torque arrestor, check valve, pressure tank) and state the function of each.

Calculate the pump setting depth for a well with a static water level of 40 feet, a drawdown of 15 feet, and a desired 20-foot safety margin.

Summarize the Georgia Water Well Standards, including licensing, permitting, and reporting requirements for new and abandoned wells.

List the required contents of a well completion report (driller's log) and the deadline for submission to the state.

Describe the proper abandonment procedure for a well, including removal of obstructions, filling with grout, and capping.

Explain the difference between temporary and permanent abandonment and the documentation required for each.

Identify the key safety hazards on a drilling site (rotating equipment, electrical, confined space, and chemical) and state a control for each.

Describe spill prevention and containment measures for drilling fluids and fuels, and outline a spill response plan.

Explain the setback and separation distances required from septic systems, property lines, and surface water in Georgia.

Outline the site restoration steps after well completion, including grading, seeding, and removal of waste.

Complete a 50-question timed practice exam covering all domains, with a target score of 80% or higher.

Review all missed questions and create a one-page summary sheet of weak areas with corrective actions.

Re-calculate grout volumes, pump setting depths, and specific capacity from memory to verify formula retention.

Recite the key Georgia regulatory numbers (setbacks, grout depth, disinfection concentration) without notes.