Water that occurs in an aquifer or zone of saturation protected or isolated from the current hydrologic cycle. This water, because it is old, does not have the levels of chemicals or contaminants used in of our industrialized society, and its unblemished nature often makes it prized drinking water. In other cases, however, these aquifers are so isolated and the original condition of the water is so high in inorganic salts that scientists have suggested using them for waste disposal or containment areas.

See Also

Drinking-Water Supply; Groundwater; Hazardous Waste Siting; Water Quality