Which term describes the water table level when no pumping is taking place?

The term that describes the water table level when no pumping is taking place is known as the static water level. This level represents the equilibrium condition of groundwater where the water is not being influenced by external forces such as pumping.

At the static water level, the pressure in the groundwater is equal to the atmospheric pressure, and this level can be observed in a drilled well when water is allowed to rise without any extraction activity. Monitoring this level is crucial for understanding groundwater availability and hydrology since it provides a baseline measurement that can be used to determine the effects of extraction over time.

The other terms relate to different scenarios concerning groundwater levels and pumping. For example, the pumping water level is the measurement taken when a well is actively being pumped and typically shows a drop in the water level due to the extraction of water. Drawdown refers specifically to the difference between the static water level and the pumping water level, indicating the amount of water level decline caused by pumping. Well yield level usually pertains to the maximum sustainable withdrawal rate from a well. Hence, the static water level accurately reflects the natural groundwater conditions before any influence from pumping occurs.