What is the main purpose of a pump test?

The main purpose of a pump test is to determine the yield characteristics of a water well. During a pump test, water is extracted from the well at a controlled rate over a specific period, and various measurements are taken, including the rate of water withdrawal and the stabilization of the water level in the well. This allows contractors and hydrogeologists to assess how much water the well can consistently provide under specific conditions.

By analyzing the data collected during the test, one can evaluate the well's capacity, the aquifer’s response to extraction, and the potential sustainability of pumping from that source over time. This is critical for ensuring that the well can meet the water demands of its intended use, whether for agriculture, domestic supply, or industrial purposes.

The other options, while related to water quality and groundwater monitoring, do not align with the primary function of a pump test. Assessing water purity typically involves chemical and biological testing rather than flow rates. Measuring the temperature of groundwater does not provide insight into yield capacity or well performance. Checking for surface water contamination is a different aspect of water resource management and does not pertain to the well's yield characteristics directly.