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Differentiate between Surface Water and Ground Water
Introduction
In simple words, surface water is that water which is found above the surface of the earth. Examples of surface water include water from seas and oceans, rivers, and ponds.
Groundwater is found below the surface of the earth. This water is found at groundwater tables, soil pore spaces, aquifers, and rock fracture points.
In the case of surface water, the nature and type of some chemical contaminants can be verified without chemical tests. Even though 98% of all freshwater in the world is groundwater; however, it is important to test the purification levels of groundwater before consumption as it may contain contaminants like arsenic. Arsenic and other contaminants can be verified only through chemical tests.
Image 1: Illustration of water cycle
The use of surface and groundwater in industrial and household needs have been discussed in tutorial in a tabular form. The table is elaborate and illustrative in nature. The table discusses various differences between surface and groundwater. It deals with the types of surface and groundwater to illustrate the differences between them.
Difference between Surface Water and Ground Water
| Surface Water | Groundwater |
|---|---|
| As surface water remains in close proximity to human activities, it is more prone to pollution. Surface water is polluted by industrial waste and human waste. | Groundwater is less prone to pollution as it is found beneath the ground. As it is hard to percolate the soil layer, industrial and human waste often does not reach groundwater sources. |
| It is comparatively easier to clean surface water from pollutants. | Polluted groundwater is harder to clean than surface water. |
| Surface water contains more contaminants than groundwater so it needs extensive purification to make it drinkable. | Groundwater contains fewer contaminants and can be used for drinking purposes after a less stringent purification process. |
| Surface water is hard to access during drought. | Most of the groundwater lies very deep inside the ground. So, it is costly to pump them out from their natural location. |
| Surface water is accessed from seas, rivers, and ponds which are comparatively more expensive to get to. | Groundwater can be accessed via wells wherever there is one, making it easier to access. |
| Surface water is not used mainly for drinking purposes as it contains high amounts of contaminants. | Groundwater is mainly used for drinking purposes by households as contaminants are fewer in it. |
| Surface water is not used in mechanical appliances of households. | Groundwater is also used in highly energy−efficient HVAC systems. |
| Surface water is not used for heating and cooling buildings. | A number of households now use groundwater for heating and cooling their houses. |
| Surface water levels usually remain constant and they are less prone to effects that arise due to the increase in the population. | When the population increases, pollution rises and this causes more pressure on groundwater. As the size of the population reaches a critical point, groundwater may recede in amount. Once groundwater levels go down it is hard for the aquifers to level up the amount once again. |
| Surface water is mainly polluted through runoff. | Groundwater pollution occurs mainly when contaminants are leached from, deposited on, or discharged to the land surface that’s situated above the groundwater. |
| Surface water is usually polluted when there are industries that produce chemical wastes in close vicinity of the water body. | Groundwater can get polluted even if there is no industry nearby. |
| The most common contaminant in the surface water is iron and some other inorganic chemicals. | Additional contaminants like iron, dissolved organic material, manganese, and salt are available at high levels in different groundwater sources. |
| Pollution of surface water can occur due to direct mix−up of chemical pollutants with water bodies. | The pollution in groundwater can come from point and non−point sources. Point sources are local and identifiable pollution sources, including septic systems, accidental spills, industrial sources, landfills, and gasoline storage tanks. |
| Surface water is generally not polluted due to non−point sources. They are polluted by industrial and human wastes. | Non−point sources include wastes from agricultural operations such as pesticides that can pollute groundwater. |
| Landfills do not pollute surface water in general. However, if landfills are in close proximity to surface water, the water may get polluted. | Landfills, containing oil, gasoline, and other chemicals percolate down the ground to pollute groundwater. |
| Septic leakage usually does not pollute surface water. | Harmful chemicals, viruses, and bacteria from septic sources may get in touch with groundwater which can pollute the latter. |
| Surface water usually does not contain minerals like magnesium and calcium. | Groundwater is divided into various types depending on the hardness of the water which is dependent on the mineral components present in the water. Magnesium and Calcium are common minerals that get mixed with groundwater to increase their hardness. |
| Surface water is not tested for its hardness as it is often not used in industrial settings. | Hard groundwater is damaging in nature for many industrial settings. So, groundwater hardness is an important and measurable factor. |
| Surface water is not present as abundantly as groundwater. So, their uses and applications are limited. | Groundwater sources are more abundant in nature. That is why the number of their uses is more than surface water. |
| Surface water is available at permanent sources such as oceans, seas, and rivers. Hence getting access to them is easier. | Groundwater is not present in permanent sources. Their amount may deplete if the water is pumped out constantly over time. |
| Surface water is used by human beings for various activities. It is rarely used for drinking purposes as it may contain more pollutants. | Groundwater is used more for industrial and household activities. |
| Surface water is used for entertainment and sports purposes in many settings. | Groundwater does not have such uses. |
| Surface water should be purified but the purification process is easier than groundwater which is less costly too. | Groundwater requires elaborate purification as they are usually used for drinking purposes. Moreover, hard groundwater must be softened before it could be used in industrial settings. |
Conclusion
Both surface and groundwater have similarities although there are some glaring differences between them. Knowing these differences can help people to properly identify the types of water according to their needs. Groundwater is used in industries while surface water can be used for agricultural purposes. So, both forms of water are necessary for human beings. Their nature and existence may be different but their uses and purification needs are similar in nature. So, knowing their differences and similarities is quite useful for people who need to use water for various purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qns 1. What are the main locations of surface water?
Ans. The main location of surface water is above the surface of the earth. Examples of surface water include water from seas and oceans, rivers, and ponds.
Qns 2. What are the main locations of groundwater?
Ans. Groundwater resides below the surface of the earth. It is s found at groundwater tables, soil pore spaces, aquifers, and rock fracture points.
Qns 3. What is the effect of population increase on groundwater?
Ans. When the population increases, pollution rises and this causes more pressure on groundwater. As the size of the population reaches a critical point, groundwater may recede in amount. Once groundwater levels go down it is hard for the aquifers to level up the amount once again.
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