Which term describes a surface water source derived from natural streams used for irrigation?

• A. Streams
• B. Wells
• C. Stormwater
• D. Reclaimed Water

Answer: (A)

In irrigation, water sources are grouped by where the water originates: surface water comes from bodies that flow or sit on the surface, while groundwater comes from beneath the ground, and reclaimed water is treated wastewater. If the source is derived from natural streams, the proper term is streams. Streams are natural channels where water flows on the surface and are commonly diverted to irrigation via canals or ditches. This distinguishes them from wells (groundwater), stormwater (rainfall runoff captured after it flows over land), and reclaimed water (treated wastewater reused for irrigation). So, streams accurately describe a surface water source sourced from natural streams.