What is the purpose of a dewatering well?

A dewatering well serves the specific purpose of temporarily removing groundwater to facilitate construction activities. When excavation or construction occurs below the water table, the presence of groundwater can create challenges such as unstable soil conditions and safety hazards. By utilizing a dewatering well, construction teams can lower the water table in the area directly around a project site. This temporary measure ensures a dry and stable working environment, preventing water from interfering with tasks such as digging foundations or installing utilities.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that do not align with the primary use of a dewatering well. While protecting groundwater is important, a dewatering well is not designed for permanent protection. Measuring aquifer water levels is typically done with monitoring wells, which serve a different purpose than dewatering. Finally, extracting drinking water involves wells specifically constructed for potable water supply, not for temporary groundwater removal during construction activities.