What is the purpose of a monitoring well?

The primary purpose of a monitoring well is to measure water levels and quality in an aquifer. Monitoring wells are essential tools used in groundwater management and environmental assessment. They allow for the collection of data on groundwater levels, which can help determine the flow and movement of water within the aquifer. Additionally, these wells are equipped to sample groundwater, providing information about the chemical composition and quality of the water. This data is critical in assessing the condition of aquifers, detecting contamination, and formulating effective groundwater management strategies.

While some options might describe activities related to groundwater, they are not the primary function of monitoring wells. For instance, extracting groundwater for treatment is a function associated with production wells, while injecting water into an aquifer typically involves injection wells rather than monitoring wells. Preventing groundwater contamination is a broader goal of groundwater management strategies but is not specifically the purpose of a monitoring well. Thus, the focus on measuring levels and quality solidifies option B as the correct answer.