Surface Water
Surface water is found in a river, lake, or other surface impoundment. It is often referred to as "soft water" even though it is not. Surface water is exposed to many different contaminants and even surface water found in a pristine mounain stream may contain bacteria from the feces of wild animals. This water should be boiled or disinfected by some means before drinking.

Ground Water is trapped underground. Rain, rivers, and melting snow sources that recharge the supply of underground water. Since there are many sources of recharge, ground water may contain all of the contaminents found in surface water.

It is important to know the source of your water, because of the differences in surface and ground water.