Although only about 7 percent of this water was actually used for consumption, in most rural areas of the state ground water is the exclusive source of water for domestic use. It is further estimated that the entire water resource in West Virginia adds up to about 23 trillion gallons of surface water and 90 trillion gallons of groundwater. Ground water is also so important because of its many advantages. Relatively safe from some types of pollution, espcially by airborne contaminants. Relatively constant temperature and quality.
Supply is less dependent on weather variations, compared to surface water.
Spread of pollution is usually slow. Due to its advantages as a water source and its overwhelming abundance, ground water is a very important resource. Many people across the state rely on it for their sole source of fresh, clean water. Ground water is an excellent water source that requires little purification. People are finally beginning to realize that this resource is in serious danger of becoming contaminated from our activities.