An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt). Groundwater from aquifers can be extracted using a water well. The study of water flow in aquifers and the characterization of aquifers is called hydrogeology.

Groundwater can be found in a range of different types of rock, but the most productive aquifers are found in porous, permeable rock such as sandstone, or the open cavities and caves of limestone aquifers.

Groundwater fills in all the empty spaces underground, in what is called the saturated zone, until it reaches an impenetrable layer of rock. Groundwater is contained and flows through bodies of rock and sediment called aquifers.

Groundwater is stored in the tiny open spaces between rock and sand, soil, and gravel. How well loosely arranged rock (such as sand and gravel) holds water depends on the size of the rock particles.

Groundwater is being pumped faster than it can be naturally replenished. The Central Valley Aquifer in California underlies one of the nation’s most agriculturally productive regions, but it is in drastic decline and has lost about ten cubic miles of water in just four years.

Some consequences of aquifer depletion include: Lower lake levels or—in extreme cases—intermittent or totally dry perennial streams. These effects can harm aquatic and riparian plants and animals that depend on regular surface flows. Land subsidence and sinkhole formation in areas of heavy withdrawal.

Fans are an incredibly effective way to dry out an area that has condensation and moisture. Using fans in your crawl space drain system will help dry out the area thoroughly and quickly, and will help prevent the growth of mold. Afterward, be sure and have a dehumidifier in place to keep the area dry.

Standard solutions when dealing with water in the crawl space include:

1. Proper grading around the home directing moisture away from the structure.
2. Installing, repairing or cleaning gutters and downspouts.
3. Adding downspout extensions and exit lines to move water further from the home.
4. Interior or exterior waterproofing.

When dealing with water damage, you generally have up to 48 hours to react. If you fail to call in a restoration specialist before this clock runs out, you risk worsening property damage and mold growth.

Nail pops are one of the many interior warning signs of foundation settlement. As your foundation settles, it puts an immense amount of pressure on your home. A lot of pressure is put on your walls and can cause the nails in your drywall or sheetrock to pop through the walls in your home.

3 Ways to Stop Water From Pooling Around Foundation Walls

1. Grading. The terrain around your house should always slope down from the building.
2. Gutters and downspouts. Gutters are a crucial component of your home’s ability to manage water.
3. Drains.

Water is a bitter foe of all the basements. YES, water around your foundation can come up through the concrete floor and can leave any material on its way soggy and damaged.

6 Ways To Find Hidden Water Leaks

1. Check your water meter. One of the best ways to tell if you have a leak in some part of your plumbing is to check the water meter.
2. Look at your usage.
3. Monitor your bill.
4. Grab some food coloring.
5. Check exterior usage.
6. Use common sense.

Moisture Still Present Concrete is porous by nature and, even though the moisture near the surface of the concrete evaporates as it cures, moisture from below the concrete or within the concrete will tend to osmotically migrate up through the concrete capillaries, to escape through the path of least resistance.