For a diagram illustrating groundwater, the water table and runoff (or recharge), click here [2].

GROUNDWATER - the subsurface water found underneath the water table. It is found in porous rocks and soil sediments and geologic formations that are fully saturated. Groundwater is a natural resource.

WATER TABLE - the level below ground which soil and rock are saturated with water and form a geological formation able to store and yield water.

RUNOFF - any natural or manmade occurrence of water or liquid above ground in excess of the amount that can be absorbed by the ground, causing the ground to be over-saturated. Runoff should not be confused with groundwater.