What term describes the difference between the static level and the pumping level in a well?

The term that describes the difference between the static level and the pumping level in a well is known as drawdown. This measurement is critical in understanding how much lower the water level becomes when water is extracted from the well. The static level refers to the height of the water column in the well when it is not being pumped, while the pumping level is where the water has dropped to during extraction.

Monitoring drawdown is important for well management because it provides insights into the well's performance and can indicate potential issues, such as over-extraction or aquifer depletion. Understanding drawdown helps operators make informed decisions on pumping rates and the sustainable management of groundwater resources.

The other terms listed, like static level, relate to specific conditions in the well but do not capture the concept of the difference between these two levels. The pumping rate refers to the volume of water being extracted and is not a measure of the vertical difference, while the water table denotes the upper surface of saturated ground, which is not directly related to the levels experienced during well pumping.