Which of the following is a consideration for the board when reviewing a variance request?

The consideration of potential impact on public health and groundwater resources is crucial for the board when reviewing a variance request. This aspect is pivotal because water well regulations are primarily established to safeguard public health and the environment. Any changes or variances to standard practices could potentially affect the quality of groundwater, which is a vital resource for drinking water and agricultural use. Therefore, assessing how a variance might alter the risk of contamination or depletion of groundwater is of utmost importance for ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of water supplies.

In contrast, while factors such as a builder’s previous experiences, the cost of construction, and the popularity of a construction method may influence decision-making, they do not directly address the primary concerns of regulatory compliance, public health, and environmental protection that guide the board's responsibilities. Hence, these other considerations, although relevant in different contexts, should take a back seat to the imperative of protecting groundwater and health when processing variance requests.