What is Ground Water?

• As the name implies, ground water is water found in the ground. Rainwater sinks into the soil and is stored in the soil and in between rock formations. Gravity keeps it moving down until it reaches the point where the ground is saturated with water. The very top of this water is the water table. Depending on the amount of rain received in your part of the country, the water table can be very close to the ground's surface or very deep below it.
  
  

Your Basement and Ground Water

• If you live in an area of the country that receives lots of rain, the water table is likely not that far below the ground's surface. Remember that basements sit below the ground's surface. So if you're standing inside your basement, the water table might very well be at knee height or even as high as your waist.
  
  

Problems Caused by Ground Water

• The soil surrounding your basement could completely saturate with water. That will make the water table rise and hydrostatic pressure will then push the water into your basement. The result will be a flooded basement, even if there's not enough water accumulated above the ground to suggest flooding. Over time, this can result in mold growth.
  
  

What to Do

• If you often get a lot of rain and the rain has been coming down frequently in recent days or weeks, it's a good idea to go into your basement regularly to check for water leaks and damage. Water can get in through hairline cracks in the basement's floor and walls. Seal any cracks you find and then work to install a perimeter drain system. This will alleviate the hydrostatic pressure causing the water outside your basement walls to come in. While many types of perimeter drain systems are available, they all work by pushing the groundwater into the system and out of the immediate area surrounding the basement.