Aquifers play an important role as a source of freshwater for urban areas and agricultural irrigation. Unlike surface water, which is mostly found in the northern and eastern parts of the state, aquifers are widely distributed throughout California.

Why are aquifers important to us?

Aquifers are bodies of saturated rock and sediment through which water can move, and they provide 99% of our groundwater. Humans rely on aquifers for most of our drinking water.

What is an aquifer and its importance?

Aquifers naturally filter groundwater by forcing it to pass through small pores and between sediments, which helps to remove substances from the water. This natural filtration process, however, may not be enough to remove all of the contaminants.