When it hits the ground, some of the water is absorbed. Precipitation will also flow downhill along the surface, and find its way into streams and rivers. In time, it will run into lakes, oceans, or seas. All the while the water is heating up, preparing to go through the whole cycle again. The water cycle is continuous.
Humans also play an important role.
Every drop of water we drink, wash dishes with, use for watering crops, or involve in an industrial process is part of the cycle. Whenever water travels, it has the potential to take other things with it. Even when water is not moving, materials that get into it can dissolve. Think about the muddy water you might see in puddles after a rainstorm. Fine particles of soil give rivers and streams their easily seen cloudiness too.