What does groundwater refer to?

Groundwater refers to water that is located in aquifers beneath the soil surface. It is a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial applications. Groundwater forms when rainwater and other surface water infiltrate the soil and reach saturated zones underground, filling porous rock and soil layers known as aquifers. These aquifers can hold significant volumes of water, which can then be accessed through wells and springs. Understanding the importance of groundwater is crucial in the context of pesticide management, as pesticides can leach into groundwater sources and potentially contaminate them, impacting human health and the environment.

The other options refer to various forms of water that do not fit the definition of groundwater. For example, water found in lakes and rivers pertains to surface water, while water that evaporates during rainfall involves the water cycle processes. Water from surface springs reflects a specific occurrence of groundwater emerging above the surface but does not encompass the broader concept of what groundwater is.