When deep wells are needed, they are usually constructed by which method?

Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

To reach groundwater at great depths, you need a borehole that can be extended safely down to the target aquifer. This is done by drilling/boring. A drill rig cuts through rock and soil, and drilling fluid or air carries the cuttings to the surface while supporting the hole. As the hole is drilled, casing is inserted and cemented to prevent collapse and to isolate different water-bearing layers, which is essential for a stable, sanitary well.

Digging is practical only for shallow wells, where the ground won’t cave in and the depth is limited. Driving wells tends to be used for shallow, easily penetrated soils and limited depths, not for deep supplies. Piping refers to the system of pipes that transport water, not the method used to create the well itself. So for deep wells, drilling/boring is the method of choice.