Virgin Valley Water District:
Source Water Protection Story
Hydrologic Cycle
The sum of all processes in which water circulates from the land and ocean surface to the atmosphere and back in the form of precipitation.
Watershed:
A watershed is the area of land that drains to a common water body like a stream, river, or lake.
Source Water:
Consists of bodies of water such as lakes, springs, streams, rivers, and groundwater/aquifers that become our water supply.
Surface Water:
Consists of springs, streams, and rivers that become our drinking water.
Ground Water:
Water found beneath the earth’s surface. The water is pumped to the surface for drinking water.
Aquifer:
A naturally occurring, underground area of water-soaked sand or gravel.
Source Water Protection Area (SWPA):
The areas around wells or other water sources. The circle of protections vary according to how long it takes contaminants to enter the well pumping area in the aquifer, or any other source.
Contamination:
Introduction of an undesirable chemical or biological substance not normally present in source water.
Water Conservation:
Includes all policies, strategies, and activities which support careful use and preservation of the water supply.
Best Management Practices:
Are barriers, methods, measures, or practices designed to prevent or reduce water pollution.
