The Water Beneath Us: How the Aquifer Recharges

Even though we can’t see it, groundwater is constantly flowing and being replenished as part of our continuous water cycle. Water is essential to our daily lives, but where does it go once it seeps into the ground? With growing concerns about water supply in our region, understanding the hydrologic cycle and how the Piedmont Sole Source Aquifer replenishes itself is more important than ever.

Continuous Water Movement

The hydrologic cycle describes how water moves through the environment. It includes:

• Precipitation - Rain and snow provide fresh water.

• Infiltration - Water soaks into the soil, moving downward through layers of earth.

• Recharge - Some of this water replenishes groundwater stored in aquifers.

• Runoff & Evaporation - Water that doesn’t infiltrate either runs off into streams and rivers or evaporates back into the air.

The water cycle. (Image credit: Dennis Cain/NWS). Retrieved from NOAA.

How Does the Piedmont Sole Source Aquifer Recharge?

Slow and steady. Unlike reservoirs or lakes, aquifers take time to refill as water seeps through porous rocks and soil layers. Water from rain and snow melt gradually infiltrate the ground recharging the aquifer. Impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots prevent water from soaking in, reducing aquifer replenishment. It takes years and years for water to travel underground and fill in open spaces. Development and pollution can impact long term water supply. Water conservation and land protection keep our aquifer sustainable for the future. You can help by:

• Keep open recharge areas clean and free of trash.

• Reduce impermeable surfaces like pavement.

• Installing rain gardens.

• Planting native plants to improve soil infiltration.

• Using permeable driveways to allow water to soak into the ground.

In areas like Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, protecting open land and soil health is critical for allowing recharge to happen. Thoughtful land use and conservation efforts ensure our groundwater remains a reliable and clean resource for generations to come.