Surface Water and Deep Groundwater

In the picture

1. 1River and lake surface, open to the sky, where rain, leaves and spray land directly
2. 2Floating leaves and fine particles: material washed off the land that stays in the surface water
3. 3Sand, gravel and soil layers: the ground water seeps through on its way down
4. 4Deep water in cracked rock: groundwater held below the layers, out of reach of surface debris

Examples

• A town draws river water, lets leaves and silt settle, then filters and disinfects it before it reaches the tap.
• A farmer keeps fertiliser and manure away from a stream, so less of it soaks down toward the drinking-water well.

Quiz: Surface Water and Deep Groundwater (Age 18)

1. 1

   Why does surface water usually carry more contaminants than groundwater?

   • Because it flows only through cracked rock deep underground.
   • Because it is sealed below soil and rock.
   • Because it is open to rain, runoff, and debris.
2. 2

   What does the card say about groundwater once it is contaminated?

   • It is hard to clean.
   • It can be cleaned easily with the same treatment as surface water.
   • It naturally becomes safe again after a short time.
3. 3

   What helps keep both surface water and aquifers cleaner?

   • Protecting riverbanks and recharge areas.
   • Increasing runoff into rivers and lakes.
   • Using more groundwater than is recharged.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.