What characterizes a capped well?

A capped well is characterized as a sealed well that is not in use. This means that the well has been closed off at the surface to prevent unauthorized access, contamination, and to ensure safety. Capping a well is an important practice in water well management, particularly for unused or abandoned wells, as it protects the groundwater resources and minimizes the risk of accidents or environmental hazards.

The other responses do not accurately describe a capped well. A well that is actively used would not typically be capped, as it needs to be accessible for water extraction. A temporary cover suggests that the well is not completely sealed or closed off, which does not align with the definition of a capped well. A flowing artesian well, on the other hand, describes a specific condition of water flow and does not imply anything about whether the well is in use or capped. Therefore, the choice that identifies a capped well as a sealed, unused well is the most accurate.