Rainwater stored in porous rocks or earth underground, that eventually finds its way to rivers, streams, springs, etc.
Often ends up cleaned up and drunk by humans. Easily poisoned by industrial waste.

Water that exists in pores of soil and rock. Groundwater is a huge resource for drinking, but is also used for industrial processes. Nearly 40% of the USA gets water from groundwater. Unfortunately, when polluted, it can be very difficult to remediate. In some areas, such as Phoenix, groundwater is mined, since there is practically no rainfall to replenish. Mexico City has subsided a great deal due to groundwater extraction.

Water that flows beneath the ground in pore spaces within soil and discontinuities (such as faults, fractures and bedding planes) within rock. See also: aquifer.

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