What is "well interference"?

Well interference refers to the effects of groundwater extraction from one well on nearby wells. When water is pumped from a well, it creates a cone of depression in the surrounding water table, which can lower the water levels in adjacent wells. This can lead to reduced water supply for those nearby wells, as they may not be able to draw the same quantity of water when the water table is impacted by another well's pumping activity.

The understanding of well interference is crucial for water resource management, as it highlights the interconnectedness of groundwater systems. This can be particularly important in areas where multiple wells are in close proximity, as excessive extraction from one source can have significant implications for users of neighboring wells.

The other options do not accurately capture the concept of well interference. Inadequate water supply in a well refers to the well itself being unable to provide sufficient water, which may arise from various factors but does not specifically relate to interference from nearby wells. Contamination of water supply in adjacent wells pertains to the quality of water rather than the quantity or the effects of extraction. Seasonal fluctuations in water availability address changes in water levels due to natural cycles, which is unrelated to the direct impacts that one well's extraction can have on others.