What is the term for the lowering of the water table around a well due to water extraction?

The term that describes the lowering of the water table around a well due to water extraction is "drawdown." This phenomenon occurs when water is removed from an aquifer faster than it can be replenished, leading to a decrease in hydraulic pressure in the surrounding area. As water is withdrawn from the well, the surrounding water table declines, creating a cone of depression around the well.

Drawdown is a critical concept in hydrogeology, as it can significantly affect the availability of groundwater resources and influence surrounding ecosystems. Understanding this term is vital for managing water resources sustainably, especially in regions that rely heavily on groundwater for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial uses.

The other terms refer to different processes or scenarios. Artesian pressure pertains to water in aquifers that is under pressure and can rise to the surface without pumping. Water table fluctuation involves the natural rise and fall of the water table due to precipitation and seasonal changes but does not specifically refer to the effects of extraction. Groundwater depletion describes the overall reduction of groundwater levels over time but doesn’t specifically address the immediate impact around a well due to extraction, which is captured accurately by the term drawdown.