What is the purpose of a curtain drain?

A curtain drain is primarily utilized to control groundwater levels in specific areas, which is crucial for managing landfill sites or septic systems effectively. The main purpose of installing a curtain drain is to lower the groundwater level, thereby preventing excess moisture from influencing the integrity of soil structures and reducing the potential for leachate formation.

By lowering the groundwater level, a curtain drain helps to maintain a dry environment in and around sanitary landfills, ensuring that waste does not interact with water. This is important in mitigating environmental risks, such as groundwater contamination and maintaining the stability of the landfill.

In contrast, other options focus on functions that do not align with the primary role of a curtain drain. For example, increasing water levels or collecting leachate are unrelated to the main intention of a curtain drain, which is solely aimed at managing and controlling groundwater levels to enhance site safety and environmental protection.