Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Groundwater pollution refers to contamination of underground water sources (aquifers) by pollutants such as chemicals, toxins, or pathogens. This can occur due to activities like improper waste disposal, industrial spills, or agricultural runoff.
Related terms
Aquifer: An underground layer of permeable rock or sediment that holds and transmits groundwater.
Contaminant Plume: A zone within an aquifer where pollutants have migrated over time due to their movement with flowing groundwater.
Remediation: The process of cleaning up or reducing pollution in order to restore the quality of contaminated groundwater.