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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

Go to a page showing all Water Science School Groundwater topics

View a list of all of our science topics about groundwater.

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Groundwater and the water cycle

Water Cycle for adults custom block

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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Thumbnail showing images of downloadable products from the USGS Water Science School

Downloadable Products

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers you the most comprehensive information about the natural water cycle anywhere, and, our information is available in many languages. Here you can download our water cycle diagrams as well as other educational products to assist you in the classroom or on your own learning adventure!
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Downloadable Products

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers you the most comprehensive information about the natural water cycle anywhere, and, our information is available in many languages. Here you can download our water cycle diagrams as well as other educational products to assist you in the classroom or on your own learning adventure!
Learn More
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Drippy - Water Science School

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.
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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.
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Water Science School Photo Gallery

Water Science Photo Galleries

Learn about water using pictures
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Water Science Photo Galleries

Learn about water using pictures
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Take our groundwater true false quiz

Groundwater True/False Quiz

How much do you know about the water below your feet? Take our Groundwater True/False Quiz and find out.
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Groundwater True/False Quiz

How much do you know about the water below your feet? Take our Groundwater True/False Quiz and find out.
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Collage of water images

Groundwater Photo Gallery

Learn about groundwater using pictures.
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Groundwater Photo Gallery

Learn about groundwater using pictures.
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Take our water properties true/false quiz

Water Properties True/False Quiz

How much do you know about water properties? Take our Water Properties True/False Quiz and find out.
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Water Properties True/False Quiz

How much do you know about water properties? Take our Water Properties True/False Quiz and find out.
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Large-volume public supply well

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.
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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.
Learn More
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Installation of shallow water-table monitoring well

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?
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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?
Learn More
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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.
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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.
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A flowing artesian well, Sycamore Valley, Missouri, USA

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.
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Water Resources Mission Area
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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.
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Domestic well in front of house in rural area

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.
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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.
Learn More
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Man using twig to find water on his property in 1942

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.
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Water Resources Mission Area
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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.
Learn More