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| ANNUAL MEETING | ALL ABOUT GROUNDWATER | 6TH ANNUAL CARP FEST |
Groundwater: Where is it Found?
Contrary to popular myths, groundwater doesn't flow in mysterious underground rivers nor is it stored in underground lakes. Most groundwater is found in aquifers--underground layers of porous rock and soil that are saturated with water (like a sponge). Four major aquifers underlie most of our state, but the amount and quality of water they contain is variable. The composition of soil--clay, loam, silt, sand or rock--generally determines the amount of groundwater and the depth at which it is found in a given area. Coarse materials such as sand and gravel, which have large spaces between grains, allow for excellent storage and movement of water. On the other hand, fine-grained materials such as clay or shale restrict water movement. Like surface water, groundwater flows from higher to lower elevations, moving through connected spaces in soil material. But, unlike water in rivers and streams, groundwater moves slowly--from a few inches to a few feet per day. Variation in rainfall and pumping from wells can affect the rate and direction of groundwater flow.
(Resource: WDNR Study Guide)
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