Water
Cycle
|
The
water cycle moves water through the environment. As water
falls to the earth as precipitation - either rain
or snow - it may run off into streams, lakes, rivers or bays.
Water will evaporate from these surface water bodies. Water
that evaporates, can later condense (called condensation),
forming clouds that may produce rain or snow. |
Groundwater
and Surface Water are Interconnected
|
Groundwater
and surface water are interconnected. When the water table
rises above the land, groundwater discharges
to
the surface and becomes surface water. Also, if the water table
drops, surface water can recharge the groundwater. If you're
ever been swimming in a lake or pond and felt a "cold
spot", this cold spot could be groundwater discharging
into a lake or pond. |
Aquifers
|
An
aquifer is an area of underground soil or rock that is filled
with water. An aquifer is capable of supplying water
to a drinking water well. Throughout New England there are
two types of aquifers used to supply drinking water. These
two types of aquifers are sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock
aquifers. |
Water
Table
|
The water table is the top of the groundwater. It is the boundary between
the saturated and the unsaturated zones. The water table rises and falls
according to the time of year and how much rain or snow we receive. |
Groundwater
Recharge
|
Groundwater is recharged from precipitation - either rain
or snow melt. Groundwater recharge occurs on areas of the earth's
surface |
Groundwater
Discharge
|
Groundwater moves from recharge areas to discharge areas.
When the water table rises to the land's surface, groundwater
discharges into surface water. Groundwater discharge areas
include wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, and the ocean. |
Drinking
Water Wells
|
A well is a circular hole that extends into the earth until
it reaches the aquifer. Wells pump water from the aquifer into
our homes. Three basic well types are common throughout New
England: dug, driven and drilled wells. |
Septic
Systems
|
Septic systems treat household wastewater. Septic systems
that are not maintained properly can be a source of groundwater
pollution. Pollution from septic systems include nitrates and
bacteria. Also, if we pour hazardous chemical down the drain
and into the septic system, those chemicals can pollute the
groundwater. |
Nitrate
|
Nitrate
is a potential groundwater pollutant that occurs naturally
in the environment and is also a breakdown of human,
animal, and pet waste. Nitrate is an important plant nutrient
that is also in fertilizers. We use fertilizers on our lawns
and gardens to help our plants grow. Farmers use fertilizers
on their crops. Excess nitrate in drinking water can cause
health problems. It is important that private wells are regularly
tested for nitrate. |
Coliform
Bacteria
|
Coliform
bacteria are common in the environment and are generally
not harmful. However, the presence of these bacteria in drinking
water may indicate that dangerous disease-causing bacteria
are also present. It is important that private wells are regularly
tested for coliform bacteria. There should be no coliform bacteria
in your drinking water. |
Salt
Water Intrusion
|
Because fresh water is lighter that salt water,
it floats on top of it. Along the coast, you find what is
called a " fresh
water lens" where the fresh water floats on top of the
salt water. Private wells along the coast will tap into this
fresh water lens as a drinking supply. Salt water can get into
the fresh water lens, making it unusable for drinking. |
