Glossary A Algae Simple rootless plants that grow in bodies of water in relative proportion to the amount of nutrients available. An unusual, sudden or excessive abundance of algae.
Algal blooms can adversely affect water quality.
Alkalinity Capacity of a lake to neutralize acid. Allochtonous Material Aquatic Life Plants or animals living in water. Aquifer An underground layer of sand, gravel or rock that stores or conveys water below the surface of the soil. An underground bed or layer of soil, rock or clay that is too dense to allow easy passage of water. The stream discharge composed of ground water drainage and delayed surface drainage.