Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

What is the distance called between the water level in a well and the water level in a storage tank?

1. Static suction head

2. Total static head

3. Friction loss

4. Flow head

The correct answer is: Total static head

The term that describes the distance between the water level in a well and the water level in a storage tank is referred to as total static head. This measurement is crucial in understanding the energy available to move water from one location to another, especially in systems where elevation differences are a factor. Total static head includes both the elevation of the water source (the well) and the elevation of the destination (the storage tank). It represents the potential energy of the water based on its height relative to a reference point, typically sea level. Understanding this concept is essential for properly sizing pumps and ensuring efficient operation within a water distribution system. Static suction head specifically pertains to the vertical distance from the water level in the source to the centerline of the pump, which is a more specific area of focus and does not consider the height of the storage tank. Friction loss refers to the energy lost due to the resistance of the water moving through pipes and is not related to elevation differences. Flow head is not a standard term used in hydrodynamics in this context and does not accurately describe the relationship between the water levels being assessed.