About Groundwater and the Water Cycle
Groundwater is an integral part of the earth's water cycle.
The water (or hydrological) cycle is the continuous, repeating journey of water between the earth and the atmosphere. Heating of the ocean water by the sun keeps the cycle in motion. After water evaporates, it condenses to form clouds, then falls to the earth as precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, and hail).
Some of the water evaporates again, some stays on the surface, becoming streams, rivers, lakes, etc., while a certain amount soaks, or infiltrates, into the ground, becoming groundwater.
The water moves downward through empty spaces or cracks in the soil, sand, or rocks until it reaches a layer of rock through which water cannot easily move. The water then fills the empty spaces and cracks above that layer, much like filling a bathtub. The top of this stored water, or aquifer, is called the water table and the water that fills the empty spaces and cracks is called ground water. The water table may be only a foot below the ground's surface or it may be hundreds of feet down.
The world has a limited amount of water, and if not for this cycle, we would not have this continuous source of water to recharge our aquifers.
Groundwater is used for drinking water, agriculture, commercial and industrial needs. Over time, groundwater also discharges to lakes, wetlands, streams, rivers, and the ocean. It helps keep streams cool and flowing during the hot, dry seasons; this is critical to wildlife habitat, especially for salmon.
Learn More
King County Groundwater Management
Information about groundwater protection planning, groundwater protection committees and read our annual report.
King County Maps: Groundwater Program
IMap, an online map tool, provides information about groundwater and water supply in King County. Well locations are shown in several layers, including one for large public water systems (Group A Wells), one for smaller public water systems (Group B Wells), and one created from an older All Wells database. The "All Wells" layer contains both public and private wells.
Where do you get your drinking water?
Learn where your water comes from and what role King County plays in regulating the water supply.
Environmental Protection Agency - Groundwater and Drinking Water (External Link)
Protecting public health by ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water.
The Groundwater Foundation (External Link)
Dedicated to informing the public about one of our greatest hidden resources: groundwater.
City of Seattle - Current Water Supply Conditions (External Link)
Deals with water conservation, landscaping, volunteer opportunities and education for the City of Seattle.
United States Geological Survey (External Link)
Information about national groundwater resources and groundwater activities of the USGS.
Washington State Department of Health - Division of Drinking Water
(External Link)
Information presented here is available in alternate formats upon request.
TTY: 800-833-6388.
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