The Water Science School -- What We Offer
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science SchoolWhere anyone of any age can learn all about water.
Groundwater
Groundwater
Groundwater is one of our most valuable resources—even though you probably never see it or even realize it is there. There is water somewhere beneath your feet no matter where on Earth you live. Groundwater starts as precipitation, just as surface water does, and once water penetrates the ground, it continues moving, sometimes quickly and sometimes very slowly. Eventually groundwater emerges
All Groundwater Science Topics
All Groundwater Science Topics
View a list of all of our science topics about groundwater.
Groundwater and the water cycle
Groundwater and the water cycle
Large amounts of water are stored in the ground. The water is still moving, possibly very slowly, and it is a part of the water cycle.
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Water Science Photo Galleries
Learn about water using pictures
Groundwater True/False Quiz
How much do you know about the water below your feet? Take our Groundwater True/False Quiz and find out.
Groundwater Photo Gallery
Learn about groundwater using pictures.
Water Properties True/False Quiz
How much do you know about water properties? Take our Water Properties True/False Quiz and find out.
Groundwater Use in the United States
Groundwater is one of our most valuable resource—even though you probably never see it or even realize it is there. Groundwater is essential for irrigation and human use in many parts of the country. The use of groundwater in the United States in 2015 is described below.
How Do Hydrologists Locate Groundwater?
As a non-existent proverb states: "Humans don't live by surface water alone." For thousands of years, people have also relied on groundwater to serve their every need. Groundwater is invaluable for many uses, from irrigation to drinking-water supply. But, you can't see groundwater, so how do water scientists know where it is in order to be able to drill wells and pump it out for use?
Contamination of Groundwater
Groundwater will normally look clear and clean because the ground naturally filters out particulate matter. But did you know that natural and human-induced chemicals can be found in groundwater even if appears to be clean? Below is a list of some contaminants that can occur in groundwater.
Artesian Water and Artesian Wells
Artesian water is really not different from other groundwater, except for the fact that it flows to the land surface because pressure in the rocks underground force it to the surface. But, having water flow to the surface naturally is a handy way to tap groundwater resources.
Contamination in U.S. Private Wells
Groundwater is crutial to millions of Americans as well as many more worldwide. Groundwater provides drinking water to many. Thus, having reliably clean groundwater is of concern for many throughout the world. But, groundwater can become contaminated with chemicals, biologic organisms, and other possibly-harmful agents.
Water Dowsing
"Water dowsing" refers in general to the practice of using a forked stick, rod, pendulum, or similar device to locate underground water, minerals, or other hidden or lost substances, and has been a subject of discussion and controversy for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.