What is the purpose of a Preliminary Assessment Report?

The purpose of a Preliminary Assessment Report is primarily to evaluate the susceptibility of a water system to contamination. This assessment is crucial because it identifies potential vulnerabilities within a water supply system and helps in understanding how different factors, such as land use, proximity to potential contaminants, and existing infrastructure, may influence water quality. By focusing on susceptibility, this report lays the groundwork for further investigations and informs stakeholders about the potential risks associated with the water system.

While aspects such as estimating drilling costs, assessing geological features, or determining the best drilling technique are important considerations in the drilling and water supply process, they fall under different categories of reporting or assessment. The Preliminary Assessment Report specifically hones in on contamination risks, making option B the most accurate choice regarding its primary focus.