While groundwater is an extremely important source of water, it will become scarce as the country’s population continues to grow. Currently, there are about 7.9 billion people on Earth. By 2100, that number is expected to grow to around 11.2 billion.

About 2.5 billion people globally depend on groundwater for basic needs like farming and drinking water. In India, groundwater is even more vital. It supports 67% of our irrigation and food production and is the primary drinking water source for over 90% of the rural population.

Interesting Fact: India uses about 230 cubic kilometers of groundwater yearly, over a quarter of the total global amount. This makes India the largest user of groundwater. 

Despite its critical importance, groundwater faces risks from overuse, pollution and growing pressures from climate change. Therefore,  sustainable groundwater management is essential.  

Understanding how groundwater works and finding ways to protect it is important for ensuring there will be enough for everyone in the future. But let’s first understand what groundwater is and what are its main sources in detail.

What Is Groundwater?

Groundwater is a source of water that occurs below the surface of the Earth, where it occupies all the void spaces in the soil. It is also called subsurface water, which is distinguished from surface water, which comes from large bodies like oceans or lakes.

It is usually extracted by natural phenomena like springs or artificially by constructing infiltration galleries, wells, springs, etc.

Groundwater plays an important role in developing arid zones and helps support agricultural and industrial enterprises. It consists of dissolved minerals mainly from interactions between the water and aquifer rocks.  The rocks in which groundwater is stored are called aquifers. 

Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone or limestone. Water moves through these rocks because they have large connected spaces that make them permeable.

The area where water fills the aquifer is called the saturated zone. The depth from the surface at which groundwater is found is called the water table. The water table can be as shallow as a foot below the ground or a few hundred meters deep. 

Heavy rains can raise the water table, and conversely, continuous groundwater extraction can cause the level to fall. Now, let’s undestand what are main sources of groundwater.

What Are The Main Sources Of Groundwater?

Groundwater comes mostly from:

Precipitation (Rain, Snow):

When rain or snow falls at the ground, some of it soaks in and fills the gaps between rocks and soil particles. This process is referred as infiltration. The water keeps going downward until it hits a layer of clay or impermeable rock, wherein it gathers to create groundwater.

Surface Water (Lakes, Rivers):

These bodies of water have the ability to seep underground and change into groundwater. This process is most prevalent in areas with porous soils and fractured rock.

Read More About: Surface Water Vs Groundwater: What’s The Difference?

Types Of Groundwater

Groundwater has different types based on several factors. Here are some types of groundwater that we need to know:

Artesian Groundwater

Artesian groundwater is water stored in rock formations confined by a layer beneath the soil surface. It is considered a source of high-quality water because the flow is protected by rock layers, which prevents contamination.

Phreatic Groundwater

Phreatic groundwater is water found in the aeration zone above the saturation zone. Due to its proximity to the ground surface, it is susceptible to contamination from human activities such as agricultural or domestic wastes.

Examples Of Groundwater

Some examples of groundwater are as follows:

1. Wells:

Drilled shafts that tap into aquifers, bringing groundwater to the surface for consuming, irrigation, and business makes use of.

2. Springs:

Natural retailers in which groundwater flows from the floor, frequently forming streams or feeding lakes.

3. Geysers:

Hot springs where heated groundwater erupts above the floor in a surprising show.

4. Artesian Wells:

The water that flows through to the land because of its pressure on the rocks refers to artesian wells. 

Conclusion

With the changes in time and growing population, there are many challenges in the availability and quality of groundwater. Groundwater is an essential natural resource and it is important to save water for sustainability for future generations.

Groundwater represents the main source of household water for rural populations in developing nations, being one of the most cost-effective way of providing a secure supply of water to villages. We can save groundwater by bringing collaborative effect together of people by taking relevant steps to save groundwater.

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