Legal Definitions - water

Water is a transparent liquid made up of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O). It can be found in bodies such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. There are different types of water, including:

• Backwater: Water in a stream that cannot flow forward due to a dam or obstruction and sometimes flows back.
• Groundwater: Water found in layers of permeable rock or soil.
• Surface water: Water lying on the surface of the earth but not forming part of a watercourse or lake. It most commonly derives from rain, springs, or melting snow.
• Territorial waters: The waters under a state's or nation's jurisdiction, including both inland waters and surrounding sea (traditionally within three miles of the coastline).
• Wastewater: Water that is left over, especially after a chemical or manufacturing process.

For example, groundwater can be found in layers of soil and rock beneath the earth's surface. Surface water can come from rain, springs, or melting snow and can collect on the ground. Territorial waters are the waters under a state's or nation's jurisdiction, including both inland waters and surrounding sea. Wastewater is water that is left over after a chemical or manufacturing process.