Water Terms

Aquifer - A layer of porous material through which groundwater moves.

Brackish water - A mixture of fresh and salt water, typically found where rivers meet the ocean.

Capillary water - Water that is held in the soil.

Freshwater - Water having a salt concentration below 0.1%.

Groundwater - Water that collects underground above an impervious layer.

Hard water - Water that contains minerals, especially calcium or magnesium, that cause soap to precipitate, producing a scum.

Humidity - The amount of water vapour in the air.

Infiltration - Water that soaks into the ground.

Percolation - Infiltrating water that is not held by the soil but trickles down through pores or cracks.

Polluted water - Water that contains one or more impurities making the water unsuitable for a desired purpose.

Purified water - Water that has had pollutants removed or rendered harmless.

Rain shadow - The dry region downwind of a mountain range.

Recharge area - The area over which water enters an aquifer.

Relative humidity - The amount of water in the air as a percentage of what the air could hold at that temperature.

Runoff - Water that flows off the surface.

Saltwater - Water, typically of oceans, that contains at least 3% salt.

Seep - Groundwater flows from the ground over a wide area.

Soft water - Water that is relatively free of those minerals that cause soap to precipitate.

Spring - Groundwater exits the ground as a significant flow from a small opening.

Surface Water - Water found on the surface such as streams, rivers, lakes, etc.

Water quantity - The amount of water available to meet demands.

Water quality - The degree to which water is pure enough to meet the desired use.

Watershed - All the land that contributes water to a particular stream or river.

Water table - The upper surface of the groundwater.