Question

Which statements about wells are true? Check all that apply.

Wells bring groundwater from the unsaturated zone to the surface of the water.
Wells need to be drilled below the water table.
If water is pumped from a well too quickly, the well may run dry.
Water from wells is generally not safe to drink.
Water gushes from artesian wells due to pressure.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 2, 3, and 5.

Brief explanations:
- False: "Wells bring groundwater from the unsaturated zone to the surface of the water." Wells tap the saturated zone (below the water table), not the unsaturated (vadose) zone.
- True: "Wells need to be drilled below the water table." A well must reach the saturated zone to produce water.
- True: "If water is pumped from a well too quickly, the well may run dry." Excessive pumping can draw down the water table or locally deplete the well’s intake and cause it to go dry.
- False: "Water from wells is generally not safe to drink." Safety varies—many wells supply safe drinking water (especially treated public systems), but some private wells can be contaminated and need testing/treatment.
- True: "Water gushes from artesian wells due to pressure." In a confined aquifer with a potentiometric surface above ground level, hydrostatic pressure can force water to flow up and out without pumping.