A - B - C    

aquifer-- a layer of gravel, sand, and limestone, in which water passes through, fills up, and is stored.

aquifer [confined]--an underground area that is made of soil, gravel, etc. and is filled with water.  This aquifer has a layer made of rock above and below it that water can't get through.  This puts its water under pressure.

artesian well-- is formed when someone drills into a confined aquifer.  Water is under pressure and pushes to the surface without a pump.

bore-- to drill a hole in the ground.

cellar-- a basement.

citation-- a list of the books, Internet sites, or other sources of information that we used to make the site.

condensation-- when a vapor or gas changes into a liquid.

conservation-- to protect, preserve, and/or to prevent things from happening to water.

contamination-- ruining drinking water.

D - E - F    

dowser-- a person who uses a forked stick or other tool to find water underground.

drought-- periods of time when there isn't any rain.

evaporation-- a water cycle stage where water turns to gas.

faucet-- A tool that lets water out of water pipes so that you can use it.

filter-- taking dirt or unwanted things out of the water you drink.

G - H - I - J    

hydrologic cycle-- the water cycle.

impermeable layer-- any underground layer that won't let water get through it.

L - M - N - O - P

meter [water]-- a tool to measure the amount of water you use in your home; the act of measuring the water used.

molecule-- a small part of something--like water.

pipes-- round, metal tubes that are used to transport water from one place to another.

precipitation-- rain, snow, sleet, hail.

pump-- a tool that pushes water through pipelines or the act of pushing water through pipes.

Q - R - S

reservoir-- a lake-like place that holds water until it is needed.

runoff-- water that falls to the earth but does not sink into the ground.  It flows on the top of the earth until it reaches a body of water like a river or stream.

saturated zone-- the water-logged top layer of the groundwater system. 

seep-- being absorbed--like water--into the ground.

source-- where water comes from.

surface water-- any water that stays on top of the earth, such as streams, rivers, etc.

T - U - V

town water-- any drinking water provided by the town.

transpiration-- part of the water cycle where plants give off vapor.

transportation-- moving water from one place to another.

W - X - Y - Z

water meter-- a tool to measure the amount of water you use in your home.

water table-- the highest point of groundwater.

water treatment-- the act of cleaning water so that it is clean enough to drink.

watershed-- an area of land that drains into a river, lake, stream, bay, or other body of water.

weir-- large concrete or rock structure located by stream crossings that is used to control the amount of water moving through an aqueduct.

well water-- water from a well.

wells-- a hole drilled into the ground that reaches an aquifer and makes it possible to bring water to the surface.