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Illustrate the difference between an artesian well and an ordinary well?

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Sure! Both artesian wells and ordinary (or non-artesian) wells are used to extract groundwater, but they differ significantly in their construction, operation, and the natural forces that drive the flow of water.

Ordinary Well

  1. Construction:

    • An ordinary well consists of a vertical hole drilled into the ground to reach a water table. The depth varies based on how far down the water is located.
    • The well is typically lined with casing to prevent contamination.

  2. Water Source:

    • An ordinary well gains water from the water table, which is the upper surface of the saturated zone. Water must be pumped out, as it is not under pressure.

  3. Pressure:

    • The water level in an ordinary well typically stays at or below the water table, meaning it relies on mechanical pumping or bucket extraction to retrieve water.

  4. Usage:

    • Commonly used for household water supplies, irrigation, and livestock.

Artesian Well

  1. Construction:

    • An artesian well is drilled into a confined aquifer, where water is trapped between layers of impermeable rock or clay.
    • The well is also lined with casing, but the distinguishing feature is the pressure in the aquifer.

  2. Water Source:

    • Water in an artesian well is under natural pressure. When the well is tapped, the water may rise in the well casing without the need for pumping, potentially reaching the surface.

  3. Pressure:

    • Because the water is under pressure, artesian wells can flow freely when tapped, and in some cases, the water may shoot up above the ground level, which is referred to as a flowing artesian well.

  4. Usage:

    • Also used for irrigation, municipal water supply, and industrial processes, benefiting from the lower energy requirement for water extraction.

Summary

  • Ordinary Wells: Depend on groundwater levels; require pumping; water is non-pressurized.
  • Artesian Wells: Tap into pressurized aquifers; water often flows without pumping; natural pressure forces water to the surface.

This fundamental difference in pressure and construction is what distinguishes artesian wells from ordinary wells.