What is the purpose of a monitoring well?

A monitoring well is specifically designed to collect groundwater samples for the purpose of evaluating the quality of water and detecting contaminants that may be present in the groundwater. These wells are crucial in various environmental assessments and are used extensively in environmental regulation and compliance. By analyzing the water drawn from monitoring wells, technicians can identify pollutants and understand their concentrations and sources, contributing to groundwater protection strategies.

The function of a monitoring well is distinct from other types of wells, such as those used for irrigation, drinking water supply, or geothermal energy. Irrigation wells are primarily focused on providing water for agricultural use, while drinking water wells are intended to supply potable water for residential or commercial purposes. Geothermal wells, on the other hand, are designed to extract heat from the ground for energy purposes. Each type of well has its own specific purpose, but the primary role of a monitoring well is to track and assess water quality, making option B the correct choice.