What primary feature distinguishes a well from other water sources?

The primary feature that distinguishes a well from other water sources is that a well accesses groundwater directly. This means that a well is constructed to reach aquifers or groundwater reservoirs located beneath the Earth's surface. When a well is drilled or bored into the ground, it creates a pathway for accessing this underground water, which is often of high quality and suitable for drinking, irrigation, and other uses.

Other water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, typically collect surface water or water that flows from precipitation or runoff and does not involve direct access to groundwater. Understanding this distinction is crucial for environmental health specialists as groundwater often requires different considerations regarding contamination, regulation, and sustainability compared to surface water sources.