What type of water source is surface water?

Surface water refers to bodies of water found on the Earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It originates primarily from precipitation, such as rain and snowmelt, which collects in these visible water bodies.

The connection between surface water and precipitation is fundamental since precipitation is the primary source that replenishes rivers, lakes, and other surface water sources. This water then feeds into the hydrological cycle, where it can evaporate, is taken up by plants, or flows into groundwater systems.

The other options describe forms of water that do not qualify as surface water. Groundwater is specifically water that is stored underground in aquifers (the first option). Water flowing through pipes is often treated and used for distribution purposes, which does not make it surface water. Water heated in industrial processes does not pertain to the natural bodies of water on the Earth’s surface, making it irrelevant in this context.