What term describes water that has been stored underground for recovery purposes?

The term that describes water that has been stored underground for recovery purposes is "stored water." This term refers specifically to water that has been intentionally set aside or conserved beneath the surface of the ground, typically in aquifers. These storage methods can include natural occurrences or human-engineered systems designed to capture and retain water, ensuring that it is available for use in times of need or during dry periods.

Understanding stored water is crucial for effective water resource management, especially in arid regions like Nevada, where groundwater serves as a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and other uses. The other terms presented do not accurately reflect the concept of underground water specifically set aside for recovery. "Preserved water" implies a protection of water without the storage context, "recovered water" typically refers to water that has been extracted and treated for reuse, and "surface water" describes water located above the ground, such as lakes and rivers.