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Watersheds & Catchment Basins
A watershed, water basin or catchment basin is the area of land from which water flows into a body of water. This can be an ocean, river, stream or lake and any rain that falls on the watershed land will eventually end up in the water body. Watersheds that flow into rivers are usually referred to as river basins. The region that you live in will be supplied with fresh water from your local watershed.
Groundwater
Despite making up nearly 70% of the world's drinking water as opposed to 0.2% from surface water sources, groundwater is the most underestimated source of water. It is a common misconception that surface water, for example reservoirs, lakes and rivers are the only source of our nation's water. In reality groundwater is the source of drinking water for millions of people in the UK.
Groundwater is formed when the surface water drains into the soil and then passes through cracks or holes and is contained in aquifers, levels of porous rock.
Once in the aquifer the water is not static, instead it continues moving, pulled by gravity and pushed by the force of the following water. The water enters the aquifer at the recharge zone and exists at the discharge zone, usually springs. Very occasionally water enters underground rivers.
The advantages of using groundwater are:
- Levels react slowly to varying rainfall
- It is usually available throughout dry spells
- Often present where there is little surface water
- Water quality is good.
The easiest way to make use of groundwater is to contain it at the spring. Alternatively, you can access groundwater that is relatively close to the surface by creating a well or for deeper water sources boreholes can be drilled. The water is then pumped to the surface.
Water Table
The water table is the maximum point before groundwater begins to surface because the unconfined aquifer (top level of porous rock) has reached maximum saturation. The maximum level of the water table is highly dependent on local topography. Water is easily extracted from areas with high water tables but they are susceptible to flooding.
High Quality Water
A major benefit of ground water is that it is naturally good water. The water moves slowly through the aquifer and soil and rocks act as natural filters, ridding the water of contaminants and harmful bacteria. As the water passes through the rock it has a natural reaction with the minerals and this results in mineral water.
