Groundwater is an important part of the water cycle. Some of the precipitation that lands on the earth's surface or melts from snowpack, will soak into the ground. This water passes through the ground until it reaches the saturated water table.  Eventually, groundwater can slowly move along the saturated sediment and rock formations of the water table, and may eventually drain into streams or lakes.  

Groundwater protections are targeted at reducing the loading of pollutants, sediment, and oil and grease, to prevent these contaminants from entering the water system and potentially discharging into the Region's streams and lakes.