What is the purpose of the casing in a water well?

The casing in a water well serves multiple critical functions that are essential for the safety and integrity of both the well and the surrounding environment. One of its primary roles is to prevent the collapse of the well walls. This is crucial because without proper casing, the walls could cave in, making the well unusable and posing risks to those working in or near the well.

Additionally, the casing protects the aquifer from contamination. When a well is properly cased, it helps to isolate the groundwater from surface contaminants, potential pollutants, and other hazards. This is vital for maintaining water quality and ensuring that the water extracted from the well is safe for consumption.

By fulfilling both of these roles—providing structural integrity and safeguarding the aquifer—the casing is essential for the effective operation and safety of water wells. Therefore, the answer includes both the prevention of wall collapse and environmental protection as key purposes of the casing in a water well.