The flow rates of streams are measured by calculating the discharge-the amount of water moving down the stream per unit of time-at multiple points along the stream. The planet’s surface water can be monitored using both surface measurements and satellite imagery. Wetlands with surface water are also important habitats for aquatic plants and wildlife. In 2015, almost 80 percent of all water used in the United States came from surface water. It is an important source of drinking water and is used for the irrigation of farmland. Since surface water is more easily accessible than groundwater, it is relied on for many human uses. Man-made surface water is found in artificial structures, such as dams and constructed wetlands. Ephemeral surface water includes small creeks, lagoons, and water holes. Ephemeral, or semi-permanent, surface water exists for only part of the year. Perennial, or permanent, surface water persists throughout the year and is replenished with groundwater when there is little precipitation. There are three types of surface water: perennial, ephemeral, and man-made. While surface water can seep underground to become groundwater, groundwater can resurface on land to replenish surface water. Surface water and groundwater are reservoirs that can feed into each other. Water that seeps deep into the ground is called groundwater. Evaporation and seepage of water into the ground, on the other hand, cause water bodies to lose water. Precipitation and water runoff feed bodies of surface water. Surface water participates in the hydrologic cycle, or water cycle, which involves the movement of water to and from the Earth’s surface. The ocean, despite being saltwater, is also considered surface water. Surface water is any body of water above ground, including streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks.
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