What is Drawdown in relation to well water levels?

Drawdown refers to the difference between the static water level and the pumping water level in a well. When water is pumped from a well, the water level in the well declines; this decline is termed drawdown. It is a critical concept in groundwater management as it helps in understanding the effects of groundwater extraction on the aquifer.

The static water level is the level of water in a well when it is not being pumped, while the pumping water level is the level of water during active pumping. The greater the difference between these two levels, the more significant the drawdown, indicating that the well is experiencing greater demand for water. This is an essential measure as it can influence the sustainability of groundwater resources, impacting recharge rates and the health of the aquifer system.