What characterizes the static water level in a well?

The static water level in a well is defined as the height of the water in the well when the pump is not in operation. This is a crucial measurement as it indicates the natural level of groundwater in the aquifer from which the well draws water. Knowing this level helps in determining how much water can be sustainably extracted without depleting the aquifer.

When the pump is off, the water level stabilizes, allowing for an accurate assessment of the aquifer's capacity and ensuring that the well is not overdrawn. This level is important because it serves as a baseline for understanding fluctuations in water levels when the pump is actively drawing water, which can impact the overall management of water resources.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions that do not represent the static state of the water level. For instance, the water level while the pump is running reflects dynamic conditions and changes in the water level due to extraction, whereas the water level at maximum capacity does not account for the natural groundwater level when the pump is inactive. Additionally, the water level during a flood pertains to external conditions and does not have relevance to the stable conditions one would measure when assessing static water levels in a well.