Why is surface water usually dirtier than ground water? Surface water is usually dirtier than ground water because surface water is not filtered. Surface water flows directly over the earth’s surface, making it easily exposed to various types of pollutants, such as:
- Dust and dirt
- Rubbish
- Remains of living creatures
- Industrial waste
- Agricultural waste
These pollutants can make surface water cloudy, smelly and unfit for consumption.
Meanwhile, ground water comes from surface water that seeps into the ground. As long as it seeps into the ground, the water will be filtered by the soil and rocks. Soil and rocks will filter various types of pollutants, so that groundwater becomes cleaner.
The following is a more detailed explanation of why surface water is usually dirtier than ground water:
Surface water is not filtered
Surface water flows directly over the earth’s surface, so it does not undergo filtering. Surface water will be exposed to various types of pollutants on the earth’s surface, such as dust, dirt, rubbish, remains of living creatures, industrial waste and agricultural waste.
Ground water is filtered by soil and rocks
Ground water comes from surface water that seeps into the ground. As long as it seeps into the ground, the water will be filtered by the soil and rocks. Soil and rocks will filter various types of pollutants, so that groundwater becomes cleaner.
Groundwater is better protected from pollution
Groundwater is below the earth’s surface, so it is better protected from pollution. Pollutants from the earth’s surface will find it difficult to reach groundwater.
Therefore, it is important to preserve surface water so that it is not polluted. This can be done by:
- Throw garbage in its place
- Overcoming industrial pollution
- Overcoming agricultural pollution
- Maintain the cleanliness of rivers and lakes
By preserving surface water, we can ensure the availability of clean water for future generations.
