TOSC ENVIRONMENTAL BRIEFS FOR CITIZENS

Understanding Groundwater

How does Groundwater move?

Groundwater flows much more slowly than surface water, such as that in rivers. Unlike surface water, which runs from high land to low land, groundwater does not move through an open channel. Instead, groundwater moves between soil particles or through fractures in rocks. Because groundwater flows through pore spaces, the amount of time water is in contact with soil particles is greatly increased compared to that of surface water. Because of this, the chemistry involved in groundwater is, at times, much more complex than for surface water.

What is Groundwater and why is it important?
What is an aquifer?
How does groundwater become contaminated?

More information
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