The interaction involves physical, chemical and biological processes.
These interactions take many forms. In many situations, surface water bodies gain water and solutes from ground water systems and in others, the surface water body is a source of ground water recharge and causes changes in ground water quality. As a result, withdrawal of water from streams can deplete ground water or conversely, pumpage of ground water can deplete water in streams, lakes or wetlands. Pollution of surface water can cause degradation of ground water quality and, conversely, pollution of ground water can degrade surface water. Thus, effective land and water management requires a clear understanding of the linkages between ground water and surface water as it applies to any given hydrologic setting.