Differences between Surface Water and Ground Water

The two main factors between groundwater and surface water are where the sources originate from and the difference in water quality. 

• Groundwater comes from beneath the Earth’s surface, whereas surface water is found on top of the Earth’s crust in lakes, rivers, and so on. As surface water is exposed, it is more likely to contain contaminants than groundwater.
• Groundwater comes from saturated zones of rock and soil, known as aquifers beneath the Earth’s surface, which can be accessed by digging wells or using motors. Surface water is much more accessible as it is readily available on land in rivers, oceans, lakes, and ponds.
• Because surface water is more exposed to human activity, the water can easily pick up chemical pollutants via runoff, air fallout, and other sources that carry contaminants. This is why extensive treatment, such as water purification methods, must be carried out to make the water suitable for human use.