What does the water table represent?

The water table represents the upper surface of groundwater, which is the zone in the soil or rock where the voids are fully saturated with water. Above the water table, soil and rock may contain water, but the spaces are not completely filled, often referred to as the unsaturated or vadose zone. The water table is crucial for understanding water availability in wells and aquifers, as it indicates the depth at which groundwater can be accessed.

In contrast, the level of water in a reservoir pertains to surface water storage and is not indicative of the groundwater levels. The boundary between groundwater and surface water is a more complex interaction and not directly represented by the water table itself. Lastly, the depth at which bedrock is found does not directly relate to the concept of the water table, as bedrock can vary widely across different geologic settings, and the water table can exist above or below it depending on local conditions.