Water Movement in Aquifers

As water moves downward seeking the lowest point, it can move through underground formations.

There are many factors that affect how water moves underground, including the following:

• The permeability of the formation it is passing through
  • Underground formations that allow water to move or percolate through them are defined as permeable.
  • Underground formations that do not allow water to percolate through are defined as impermeable.
• Fractures present in the rock formations
• The amount of water in the recharge area of the aquifer
• The effects of wells pumping from the aquifer

It is also possible for water to be moving at different speeds at different depths in the same aquifer. Groundwater may only move a few feet per year. In some cases, it can move hundreds of feet per year, depending on the above factors.