What is ground water?

Groundwater is defined as the water found in an aquifer, which is a geological formation that can store and transmit water. Aquifers are crucial reservoirs of freshwater that replenish themselves through rainfall and other sources of surface water that seep underground. This underground water can be tapped into through wells and is a vital resource for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and industrial use.

The other options refer to different types of water sources. Water in lakes and streams is surface water, which is not stored underground like groundwater. Similarly, water in ground-level and elevated storage tanks refers to designed reservoirs for storing treated drinking water or other supplies at the surface, rather than water found underground. Understanding groundwater is essential for water resource management, sustainability, and environmental protection, especially in areas reliant on wells for their water supply.