CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Irrigation Principles and Components Questions and Answers

Question 1

An irrigation technician measures the water pressure at a hose bibb before the system is turned on and gets a reading of 65 PSI. After the zone with the highest flow is activated, the pressure is measured again at the same point and reads 50 PSI. What is the 50 PSI reading called?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic pressure

Answer

Dynamic pressure, also known as working or operating pressure, is the pressure of water when it is in motion. Static pressure is the water pressure when the water is at rest. The difference between the static and dynamic pressure in this scenario is due to friction loss, but the measurement itself is dynamic pressure.

Question 2

A client's irrigation system is causing a fine mist to come from the spray heads, leading to poor water distribution and significant waste from wind drift. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?

Accepted Answer

High water pressure

Answer

High water pressure is a common cause of misting or fogging from spray heads. This occurs when the pressure exceeds the manufacturer's recommended operating range, causing the water to atomize. Low pressure would result in a weak spray and reduced radius, while clogged nozzles would typically create an irregular or blocked pattern.

Question 3

What is the primary function of a backflow prevention device in an irrigation system?

Accepted Answer

To prevent contamination of the potable water supply.

Answer

The primary and legally required function of a backflow preventer is to protect the potable (drinking) water supply from contamination. It ensures that water from the irrigation system, which could contain fertilizers, pesticides, or other contaminants, cannot flow backward into the clean water source due to changes in pressure like back-siphonage or back-pressure.

Question 4

A technician needs to calculate the precipitation rate for a sprinkler zone to program the controller correctly. Which formula is commonly used for this calculation?

Accepted Answer

PR = (GPM x 96.3) / Area

Answer

The standard formula to calculate the precipitation rate (PR) in inches per hour is: PR = (Total Gallons Per Minute of all heads in the zone x 96.3) / Total Area of the zone in square feet. The constant 96.3 is a conversion factor that simplifies the calculation from gallons per minute over a square footage area into inches per hour.

Question 5

While performing system maintenance, a technician notices that one entire zone of rotor heads is not operating, while all other zones function correctly. The controller indicates the zone is active. Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause of this specific problem?

Accepted Answer

A broken mainline pipe before the zone valve

Answer

A broken mainline pipe would affect all zones downstream from the break, or cause a constant leak, rather than isolating the problem to a single zone that won't turn on. A faulty solenoid, a cut in the specific zone wire, or a malfunctioning valve diaphragm are all common electrical or mechanical failures that would prevent a single, specific zone from operating.

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Irrigation Principles and Components Questions and Answers