Groundwater is primarily brought to the surface by pumping it through a well that is drilled into the aquifer. This method draws the water up, similar to how you would draw soda through a straw.
While groundwater can naturally emerge at the surface through springs or discharge into lakes and streams, most of the groundwater used by humans is accessed artificially.
The Process of Pumping Groundwater
The fundamental process involves creating a direct connection between the surface and the underground water source, known as an aquifer.
- Drilling the Well: A hole is drilled from the surface down into the saturated zone of the aquifer. The depth varies depending on how deep the aquifer is.
- Installing the Well Structure: Typically, a pipe or casing is inserted into the drilled hole to prevent it from collapsing. A screen is placed at the bottom section within the aquifer to allow water to enter the pipe while keeping out sediment.
- Inserting the Pump: A pump is then lowered into the well. Various types of pumps exist, but their function is to lift the water from the aquifer up to the surface. Submersible pumps, placed below the water level, are common.
- Drawing the Water: When the pump is activated, it creates a pressure difference that pulls water from the surrounding aquifer into the well pipe and pushes or lifts it upwards to the surface, where it can be used for various purposes like drinking, irrigation, or industrial processes.
As referenced, "most groundwater is brought to the surface by pumping it through a well (which draws the water like soda through a straw) that is drilled into the aquifer." This illustrates the basic principle – using a well as a conduit and a pump to overcome gravity and pressure, effectively pulling the water upwards.
