What is the term for the elevation of the free surface in a water table well that is not running?

The term for the elevation of the free surface in a water table well that is not running is referred to as the static water level. This represents the height of the water column in the well when the water is not being drawn from it, indicating the balance of hydrostatic pressure within the aquifer.

When a well is not actively in use, the water surface in the well stabilizes, providing a clear measurement of the natural water level in the surrounding aquifer. This static measurement is critical for understanding the groundwater resources available in the area and is essential for planning water extraction and management.

In contrast, other options present different concepts: the dynamic water level reflects the water surface elevation during active withdrawal from the well, while static potential pertains to groundwater pressure conditions. Aquifer depth primarily indicates the vertical distance from the surface to the bottom of the aquifer, not the water surface within a well. Thus, static water level is the correct term in this context.