groundwater

USAGE SUMMARY

'groundwater' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to water that is found beneath the surface of the ground. For example: The town had to dig deep wells to access the groundwater.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In adjacent Crockett county, fracking accounts for up to 25% of water use, according to the groundwater conservation district.

The Guardian

There are also concerns over the amount of groundwater it will use.

The Guardian

But opponents of the mine claim Hunt's approval fails to protect the region's groundwater and may be challenged in the courts.

The Guardian

In the harder rock sections, the tunnel will likely be intact albeit completely inundated with groundwater.

The Guardian

It will be the next step in a battle between the company and the surrounding farmers who say the 268m tonne coal mine on the ridge above the Liverpool Plains in NSW could contaminate prime agricultural land and the groundwater below it.

The Guardian

"We want the government to be provided with the best information to make the right decision and it's clear the proponents haven't done their homework, on groundwater and how they will mitigate the impact on climate change.

The Guardian

There are farms that use groundwater and there has been a lot of work to adjust the groundwater to make sure it is sustainable for long term.

The Guardian

The approval comes with 49 conditions attached, including the acquisition by Waratah Coal of 10,000 hectares of land to offset environmental damage it will do with the project and a water plan to address the impact on groundwater in the area.

The Guardian

Not all India's groundwater is potable anyway; in places, it is getting seriously polluted.

The Economist

Nearly a third of India's groundwater blocks were defined in 2004 as "critical, semi-critical or over-exploited".

The Economist

And India's groundwater reserves will be especially missed when climate change makes surface-water sources even more sporadic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, specify the type of "groundwater" (e.g., confined, unconfined) to provide greater clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid assuming uniform quality and availability across all "groundwater" sources; conditions can vary significantly depending on geological formations and local environmental factors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "groundwater" is as a noun, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. It refers to a specific type of water resource, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "groundwater" is a common noun used to describe water located beneath the Earth's surface. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. The analysis of usage patterns reveals its frequent appearance in News & Media, Formal & Business documents, and Science publications. The related phrases offer alternative ways to discuss this resource, like "subsurface water" or "aquifer water". Writing guidance emphasizes the importance of specificity and avoiding overgeneralizations when using "groundwater" in writing. Overall, "groundwater" is a well-established term with clear and consistent usage across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsurface water

Replaces "ground" with "subsurface", emphasizing the water's location below the surface.

underground water reserves

Emphasizes the aspect of "groundwater" as a stored resource.

aquifer water

Specifically refers to water contained within an aquifer.

water table

Refers to the upper level of the saturated zone of "groundwater".

phreatic water

A technical term for "groundwater", primarily used in hydrogeology.

subterranean water

Similar to subsurface water, but uses a more literary term.

underground flow

Highlights the movement aspect of "groundwater".

saturated zone water

Describes water in the fully saturated region beneath the surface.

vadose zone water

Describes water in the unsaturated zone that is above the water table and below the land surface.

deep well water

Focuses on the means of accessing "groundwater".

FAQs

How is "groundwater" formed?

"Groundwater" is formed when precipitation seeps into the ground and fills the spaces between soil particles and rocks. This process is known as infiltration.

What are the primary uses of "groundwater"?

"Groundwater" is commonly used for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial processes. Its availability and quality make it a valuable resource.

What are the potential threats to "groundwater" quality?

Potential threats include contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and leaking underground storage tanks. Protecting "subsurface water" sources is crucial for maintaining water quality.

What's the difference between "groundwater" and surface water?

"Groundwater" is water located beneath the Earth's surface, while surface water is found in rivers, lakes, and streams. "Aquifer water" is typically filtered naturally as it passes through soil and rock layers, but it can still be vulnerable to pollution.