What are primary freshwater?

Primary freshwater comes from rain and melted snow. This water runs off the land into rivers and streams. It is also the source of water for lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

* Rain is the primary source of freshwater on Earth. It forms when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into tiny droplets. These droplets then fall to the ground as precipitation.

* Snow is another form of precipitation. It forms when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes into ice crystals. These ice crystals then fall to the ground as snowflakes. When snow melts, it becomes liquid water and can contribute to the supply of freshwater.

* Runoff is water that flows over the land surface and into rivers and streams. Runoff occurs when the ground is saturated with water, or when the rate of precipitation exceeds the rate at which the ground can absorb it.

* Groundwater is water that is stored in the ground below the surface. Groundwater can be used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. It can also contribute to the supply of freshwater in rivers and streams.

* Springs are natural outlets where groundwater emerges from the ground. Springs can be a valuable source of freshwater, especially in areas where other sources of water are scarce.