Groundwater terminology – name of the level of underground water In hydrogeology and water-supply engineering, the level at which the pressure in the pore water equals atmospheric pressure (upper surface of the saturated zone) is called the:

Introduction / Context:
Accurate terminology avoids design mistakes in well placement, dewatering, and foundation engineering. The upper boundary of groundwater saturation is fundamental to these tasks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Saturated zone exists below a variably thick capillary fringe.
• Atmospheric pressure defines zero gauge pressure.

Concept / Approach:
The water table (phreatic surface) is the locus of points in an unconfined aquifer where water pressure equals atmospheric pressure. Above it lies the unsaturated (vadose) zone, often with a capillary fringe just above the water table. “Water level” is a generic term, “invert level” is a sewer/channel reference elevation, and “negative level” is not a hydrogeologic term.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define the surface of saturation → water table.Differentiate from capillary fringe (suction pressures).Pick the precise hydrogeologic term.

Verification / Alternative check:
Piezometric measurements in wells intersecting unconfined aquifers show static levels coincident with the water table.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (a) Too vague; not specific to saturated-zone boundary.
• (c) Not standard terminology.
• (d) Used for conduits, not aquifers.
• (e) Not the same as the water table; it lies above and is unsaturated but moist.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing piezometric surface in confined aquifers with the water table in unconfined conditions.

Final Answer:
Water table (phreatic surface)