Water under our feet
Groundwater is stored in the pores of sediments and rocks.
Where does well water come from?
A well goes down into the ground. After a while, water appears in it.
Where is that water stored?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Groundwater is the water that seeps through and is stored in the pore spaces of sediments and openings in rocks beneath the surface; it is recharged through the water cycle.
Where does well water come from?
A well goes down into the ground. After a while, water appears in it.
Where is that water stored?
- In the spaces between particles and in openings in rocks
- In a big empty tank under every house
- In the roots of plants
Pump and rain
Pump water out to lower the level. Then let rain fall to refill it.
Stored and refilled
The water was held in the spaces between the particles. When we took water out, the level dropped. The rain that fell seeped in and filled the spaces again. This is how the water cycle recharges groundwater.
Groundwater is the water that seeps through and is stored in the pore spaces of sediments and openings in rocks beneath the surface; it is recharged through the water cycle.
Notes
Groundwater is the water that seeps through and is stored in the pore spaces of sediments and openings in rocks beneath the surface; it is recharged through the water cycle.
Check yourself
Groundwater is stored in …
How is groundwater recharged?
What happens to the groundwater level if a lot of water is pumped out and little rain seeps in?
Which of these helps recharge groundwater?
- clouds above the ground. Clouds hold water vapour and droplets. Groundwater is below the surface.
- the pore spaces of sediments and the openings in rocks — correct. Yes!
- the leaves of plants. Plants release vapour by transpiration. Groundwater is stored under the ground.
- By the Sun making new water. The Sun does not make water. The water cycle brings rain that seeps in.
- By digging a well deeper. Digging does not recharge groundwater. Rain does, through the water cycle.
- Through the water cycle, as rain seeps into the ground — correct. Yes!
- It goes down — correct. Yes!
- It goes up. Taking out more than comes in lowers the level.
- It stays the same. If more goes out than comes in, the level falls.
- More concrete surfaces. Concrete limits infiltration, so less water seeps in.
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge pits — correct. Yes!
- Cutting down all plants. Less plant cover limits infiltration. Recharge pits help water seep in.