How does groundwater recharge occur?

Groundwater recharge primarily occurs through precipitation that seeps into the ground. When rain or snow falls, some of it infiltrates the soil and moves downward through the soil layers into the underlying aquifers. This process is essential for replenishing groundwater supplies, which are crucial for maintaining water levels in wells, rivers, and lakes.

Unlike surface runoff, which flows over the land into water bodies and does not contribute directly to groundwater, the infiltration of precipitation directly increases the moisture content of the soil and contributes to the aquifer recharge process. Evaporation, on the other hand, removes water from the ground and can lead to a decrease in groundwater levels. Similarly, while melting snow can contribute to groundwater recharge, it is not the only way groundwater recharge occurs, as it is dependent on various factors such as temperature and timing. Therefore, the primary mechanism for groundwater recharge is indeed through precipitation that seeps into the ground.