North Carolina General Contractors Practice Exam

What is the level of underground water known as?

1. Groundwater Rate

2. Water Table

3. Aquifer Level

4. Land Drainage

The correct answer is: Water Table

The level of underground water is known as the water table. The water table represents the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the soil and rock are completely filled with water. It is a critical concept in hydrogeology as it indicates the boundary between ground that is saturated with water and that which is not. Understanding the water table is essential for various applications, including construction, agriculture, and environmental management. For instance, when planning construction projects, it's important to know the water table level to ensure proper drainage and foundation stability. This concept is fundamental for general contractors, as water table fluctuations can impact excavation work and site development. Other terms listed, such as groundwater rate, aquifer level, and land drainage, may relate to water management and hydrology but do not specifically refer to the level of underground water itself. Groundwater rate tends to indicate the movement of groundwater rather than its static level, aquifer level pertains to the specific water level within aquifers rather than the broader concept of the water table, and land drainage relates to the management of excess water on the surface rather than underground water levels. Thus, the term "water table" is the most accurate descriptor for the level of underground water.