Which item is not part of the driller's log for monitoring well construction?

• A. Odors from cuttings
• B. Depth to water
• C. Loss of drilling fluid
• D. Water level changes

Answer: (A)

Driller's logs record measurements and observations that directly affect how the well is drilled and how the aquifer responds during construction. Depth to water notes where the water table lies, which helps determine casing depth and screen placement. Loss of drilling fluid tracks how much fluid is being lost into the formation, signaling borehole stability or highly permeable layers that may need management. Water level changes monitor how the aquifer responds to drilling and dewatering, informing well development and sealing plans.

Odors from cuttings, while potentially informative in some field notes, are not a standardized, quantitative item used to monitor well construction progress. They don’t provide the specific, repeatable data needed to guide casing, filtrate management, or groundwater control, so they aren’t part of the driller’s log.