What is groundwater recharge?

Groundwater recharge refers specifically to the process through which aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediment, are replenished by water that percolates down from the Earth’s surface. This generally occurs through precipitation, such as rain or snowmelt, which infiltrates the soil and moves downward until it reaches the aquifer level.

This process is crucial for maintaining the water levels in aquifers, which are significant sources of freshwater for various needs, including drinking, agricultural irrigation, and industrial uses. Without adequate recharge, aquifers can be depleted faster than they can be naturally replenished, leading to problems such as diminished water quality and increased salinity.

The other options focus on different processes or activities related to water use, rather than replenishing the groundwater supply. Extracting groundwater for irrigation refers to utilizing the stored water but does not contribute to the recharge aspect. Evaporation is a different process where water is lost to the atmosphere and does not involve replenishing groundwater. The construction of wells and reservoirs pertains to water management and storage rather than the natural process of groundwater recharge.