Which type of wells are commonly used near the shore of a lake or near a river?

• A. Piezometric wells
• B. Radial wells
• C. Vertical wells
• D. Shallow wells

Answer: (B)

Radial wells are specifically designed to efficiently extract groundwater from near surface water bodies such as lakes and rivers. Their configuration allows them to maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact. These wells typically have a centrally located vertical pipe that allows water to flow radially from multiple directions due to a network of horizontal screens or lateral extensions. This design is advantageous in areas where groundwater is relatively close to the surface and in proximity to surface water.

In contrast, piezometric wells focus on measuring water levels and pressure in confined aquifers rather than on extraction near surface water. Vertical wells are constructed to tap higher aquifers but do not have the same capacity to draw water from surrounding areas effectively. Shallow wells are also generally limited to more direct and localized extraction and may not have the same efficiency as radial wells in areas influenced by surface water bodies.

Therefore, the unique structure and operational benefits of radial wells make them the most suitable type for extraction near the shore of a lake or a river.