Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class D Water Operator License Practice Exam 2025 - Free Water Operator License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Wells dug into artesian aquifers are considered deep wells because they tap into water that is under pressure beneath impermeable layers of rock or sediment. This pressure allows water to rise to the surface, sometimes without needing to be pumped. The characteristic of being classified as deep relates not only to the depth of the well but also to the depth of the aquifer from which the water is being extracted.

In comparison, shallow wells typically access groundwater that is more readily available and located closer to the soil surface. Surface wells may refer to unconfined aquifers where water can be accessed without significant depth, while submersible wells involve specific types of pumps that are used to lift water from deeper sources but do not inherently classify the well itself. Thus, the distinction of deep wells emphasizes the hydraulic conditions present in artesian aquifers, which directly relates to their pressure and the geological formation involved.