Which three factors are critical when assessing water quality for geothermal systems?

When assessing water quality for geothermal systems, the critical factors involve temperature, quantity, and cleanliness.

Temperature is essential because it significantly influences the geothermal resource's energy potential and can also affect the chemical reactions that occur in the water, which may impact both the efficiency of the system and the materials used in its construction.

Quantity refers to the volume of water available from the geothermal source. Having sufficient water quantity ensures that the system can operate effectively and maintain optimal performance over time. If the amount of water is inadequate, it could lead to overheating and inefficiencies in heat extraction.

Cleanliness, or the absence of contaminants and impurities, is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of the geothermal system. Contaminants can lead to scaling, corrosion, and other detrimental effects on equipment. Ensuring the water is clean helps maintain the integrity of the geothermal system and reduces maintenance costs.

While options mentioning pressure and flow rate may seem relevant, they do not directly address the quality of the water in the same way that the combination of temperature, quantity, and cleanliness does. Thus, B accurately captures the most critical factors for assessing water quality in geothermal systems.