What is the primary function of a drilled well?

The primary function of a drilled well is to tap into lower aquifers. Drilled wells are constructed by boring deep into the earth to access groundwater stored in aquifers, which are geological formations that can store and transmit water. These aquifers are often located at significant depths, depending on the geological conditions of the area. By reaching these lower aquifers, drilled wells can provide a reliable source of water in regions where surface water might be scarce or where the quality of surface water is compromised. This access to deeper, potentially less contaminated water sources is critical for various uses, including residential and agricultural needs.

The other options present functions that do not align with the primary purpose of drilled wells. For instance, providing a water supply specifically for irrigation might be a use of the water from a drilled well, but it does not encompass the well's main function of accessing groundwater. Similarly, reducing pressure in plumbing systems is unrelated to the well's purpose; this refers to a plumbing system's regulatory mechanisms rather than the well itself. Lastly, filtering pollutants from water is a process associated with water treatment rather than a direct function of drilled wells. The primary focus of a drilled well is indeed to access the groundwater resources found in lower aquifers.