Difference between surface water and ground water


Surface and ground water differ in various aspects. The water found on the surface of the earth (rivers, lakes…) are called surface water. Ground water can be found under the surface of the earth. In terms of usage, it is the ground water we drink, use it for cooking, cleaning, etc. Besides these, surface water is used in agriculture or generating electricity. As for the temperature, ground water maintains a constant one, while that of the surface water alters according to the surface. In relation to chemical composition, surface water contains less salt, and ground water includes more minerals. Surface water is free from pathogenic organisms, like salmonella or malaria. Note that both in surface and ground water, contaminants can be found.