The static suction lift of a pump is the difference in elevation between the pump impeller centerline and

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Static suction lift is the vertical distance the pump must raise liquid from the source up to the impeller eye. It is measured from the pump centerline to the free surface of the liquid in the suction source, but only when that liquid surface sits below the pump inlet. That’s why the correct description is the liquid level in the suction well when that surface is below the pump inlet. If the liquid surface were above the pump, you’d be dealing with suction head rather than lift, because gravity would push the liquid toward the pump instead of requiring the pump to lift it. The other options don’t describe the suction side surface or describe a different concept (the discharge surface or the difference between suction and discharge levels).