Together these processes make up evapotranspiration. Groundwater may be just below the surface or may move to great depths underground in aquifers. Eventually much deep groundwater flows to shallower levels in valleys and downslope of recharge areas. There it can be used by plants and transpired back into the atmosphere. As well, it can discharge into springs, lakes, or streams, from which it may evaporate or else join the stream flow into larger bodies of water.
Some water makes it to the ocean, where evaporation continues to drive the water cycle.
Water for rural use is generally taken from surface supplies, such as streams and lakes, or by pumping groundwater from wells.