What is the term for the height to which a column of water will rise in a well?

The height to which a column of water will rise in a well is referred to as the piezometric surface. This surface represents the level to which groundwater would rise due to the pressure in a confined aquifer. It is an important concept in hydrogeology, as it indicates the potential pressure available in the groundwater system.

Understanding the piezometric surface is crucial for managing water resources and assessing aquifer behavior, as it helps to visualize how groundwater levels can fluctuate with various factors such as pumping and recharge conditions. This measurement is essential for determining how much water can be sustainably extracted from a well system without depleting the aquifer.

The water table represents the upper surface of unconfined groundwater, while hydraulic gradient refers to the slope of the water table or piezometric surface, indicating the direction of groundwater flow. Static head is often used to describe the height of water above a reference point but does not specifically relate to the pressure conditions in a well. Hence, the term piezometric surface accurately captures the concept in question.