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How water Works
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| Ground water: |
Is water contained within the ground and is one part of the earth’s water cycle. |
| Aquifers: |
There are two types. Surface aquifers are shallow sand and gravel aquifers typically from 25 > 100 feet deep. Surface aquifers are the best producers of water. Bedrock aquifers are normally located much deeper and are composed of sandstone, fractured shale and coal. This type of aquifer does not produce as well as the shallow Surface aquifers. |
| Groundwater Movement: |
Groundwater is constantly moving with gravity the major driving force. Knowing the direction of the groundwater movement will decrease the impacts from surface contaminants like sewage, manure, pesticides and petroleum products. Water always moves from the highest point of land to the lowest. |
| Confined and Unconfined Aquifers: |
Unconfined aquifers are exposed directly to the atmosphere and are dependent on seasonal cycles of precipitation for recharge. Confined aquifers are water flows that are trapped below an upper confining layer of rock, clay or shale. Confined aquifers, when drilled, yield artesian wells. |
| Groundwater Recharge: |
Aquifers are refilled by the precipitation moving down through the soil and rock layers, as well as by rivers, creeks or sloughs. Recharge rates can be profoundly affected by human activities. Clearing of land allows the water to run off quickly rather than infiltrating the surface to the water aquifers. |
| Water Cycle or Hydrologic Cycle: |
Is the movement of water as water vapor, rain, snow, surface water and ground water. Click here to see details about the water cycle. |
| Surface Water: |
Is the water that flows over the surface of the land. Seeps and springs become creeks then streams and finally rivers on the way to the ocean. |
| Fresh Water or Potable Water: |
Water that can be consumed by people or animals. This water will not contain any harmful chemicals or pathogens. |
| Water Flood: |
An oil field process where water is pressured down a well to the oil bearing sands or rocks. The water is injected into the lower end of an oil field to maintain pressure on the oil field. Typically a number of water injection wells are used in a water flood system. The water utilized in a water flood system comes from two sources; Fresh water from shallow aquifers, or production water. |
| Production Water: |
Water that was contained in the oil field prior to the production of oil. The produced water commingles with the oil and is produced at the same time. The water is separated and typically is injected again in either water disposal wells or as part of a water flood system. Produced water usually contains high levels of salts. |
