Final answer:
The incorrect statement about artesian wells is that the water rises to the bottom of the aquitard above the aquifer when it actually can rise above the top of the aquifer and, in some cases, to the surface. (option D)
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement concerning artesian wells that is not true is D) When the well penetrates the aquifer, the water rises to the bottom of the aquitard above the aquifer. In an artesian system, when a well penetrates an aquifer confined between two aquitards, the hydraulic pressure can cause the water level in the well to rise above the top of the aquifer and, in some cases, even above the land surface, depending on the level to which the aquifer is saturated. This is due to the inclined nature of the aquifer and the pressure from water entering the aquifer at a higher elevation, often referred to as the recharge area.
The aquifer must be sandwiched between two impermeable layers, known as aquitards. These layers, due to their low permeability, confine the water, creating pressure within the aquifer. Artesian wells can therefore flow naturally without the need for pumping, provided there is enough pressure and the well is properly located and constructed.