Groundwater

            What is groundwater? Groundwater is water that exists beneath the surface. When it rains, water filters into the ground and percolates through the soil until it reaches a depth where all of the space is filled by water. Ground water can flow horizontally and vertically at a rate influenced by the area it is in. Groundwater is found in aquifers, geologic formations where a significant amount of water can be stored, transmitted, or supplied to well or a spring.
             The quality of groundwater and surface water are intimately linked. Eventually , some ground water flows to the surface and feeds into lakes and streams. Groundwater typically discharges from aquifers to rivers, lakes, or wetlands. Surface water recharges groundwater sources. Land-use activities affecting groundwater quality can affect surface water quality.
             What does well water have to do with groundwater? To get the water from beneath the ground you have to have a well to do it. Wells are drilled into a variety of different aquifers to supply water for any different uses. You have to have specialized equipment to meet the construction standards for drilling a well, installing the well casing and screen, back filling the holes, and test pumping the well for its intended purpose.