Question

In a rural area only about _____ of the wells that are drilled find adequate water at a depth of 100 feet or less. A local man claims to be able to find water by dowsing, that is, using a forked stick to indicate where the well should be drilled. You check with _____ of his customers and find that _____ have wells less than 100 feet deep. Answer the questions below. Assume the independence assumption is met.

Answer 1

The subject matter explores hydrogeology, focusing on identifying sustainable aquifers for drilling water wells in a rural setting, using the example of the small village Ecologia. The safety, quality, and sustainability of groundwater sources are essential for securing a reliable water source. A hydrogeologist would use geological data to locate the best aquifer layers for a new well.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Groundwater and Water Wells

The subject of this question surrounds the science of hydrogeology, specifically concerning the sourcing and sustainability of groundwater in rural areas for the purposes of drilling wells. In the case of a rural village like Ecologia, a reliable source of groundwater is critical for the survival and development of the community, particularly in the face of depleting water levels in existing wells. When considering where to drill a new well, a hydrogeologist must examine geological data to determine the presence and depth of aquifers that can yield a sustainable water supply.

The quality of aquifers is paramount; the best candidates for water wells are those that are deep and confined, as they tend to be safer with respect to pathogens, and they are less prone to contamination. Moreover, in areas like Ecologia that have limited access to surface water and are distant from other sources of support, the identification of a viable groundwater source is a crucial step to securing an adequate water supply for both immediate and future needs. It's important to label the most promising aquifer layers and plan to drill to a depth that ensures a reliable water source for the local population.

In the scenario provided, groundwater management is a significant issue, especially due to the non-renewable nature of underground aquifers which, when depleted beyond replenishment rates, affect local settlements in dire ways. The identification and development of sustainable water resources in this context are essential for providing reliable access to potable water and for supporting the economic activities of communities like Ecologia.