Surface water

Surface water is water located on top of land, forming terrestrial (surrounding by land on all sides) waterbodies, and may also be referred to as blue water, opposed to the seawater and waterbodies like the ocean. The vast majority of surface water is produced by precipitation.

1 story • Updated Oct 14, 2025
Surface water
Environment

EPA Reports Declining Surface Water Quality Despite Reduced Nutrient Levels

19 sources Oct 13, 2025