Confined Aquifer

A confined aquifer is a groundwater layer trapped between two impermeable rock or clay layers, which prevents water from easily entering or leaving. This structure creates pressure within the aquifer, so when a well is drilled into it, water can rise above the level of the aquifer without needing to be pumped. Because it is sealed off from surface pollutants, water from confined aquifers is often cleaner but can also be under higher pressure, which influences how we extract and manage it sustainably. Understanding confined aquifers is essential for water resource management and environmental protection.