How can surface water contamination impact groundwater?

Surface water contamination can significantly impact groundwater because contaminants from surface water can leach into aquifers. Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediment that store water, and they are often connected to surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. When these surface water sources become contaminated—due to pesticides, heavy metals, or other pollutants—there is a risk that these harmful substances can permeate through the soil and rock layers and enter into the groundwater supply.

This leaching process can lead to the infiltration of pollutants into the aquifers, which can compromise the quality of the groundwater used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. Thus, protecting surface water from contamination is crucial to maintaining clean and safe groundwater resources. Other options downplay or misunderstand the interconnectedness of surface water and groundwater resources.