What is the primary purpose of a monitoring well?

The primary purpose of a monitoring well is to monitor groundwater quality and levels. These wells are specifically designed to collect data regarding the groundwater's chemical composition, contaminants, and fluctuations in groundwater levels over time. Monitoring wells are essential for assessing the health of aquifers, studying hydrological changes, and managing water resources effectively. They play a critical role in environmental studies and groundwater management, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding water usage, protection measures, and contamination remediation.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not aligned with the role of monitoring wells. For example, withdrawing groundwater for consumption pertains to production wells, which are intended for extracting water for various uses. Serving as a waste disposal site does not match the purpose of monitoring wells, as they are not designed for waste management. Providing irrigation water to nearby fields relates to wells that supply agricultural water, another distinct function separate from the monitoring of groundwater conditions.