An aquifer is an underground layer of rock, sand, or gravel that holds and transmits groundwater. Many Canadian communities, particularly in rural areas, rely on aquifers for their drinking water supply through wells that tap into these underground reservoirs. Aquifers are replenished by precipitation seeping through soil over time, but they can be depleted if water is withdrawn faster than nature replaces it. Protecting aquifers from contamination by agricultural runoff, industrial chemicals, or improperly sealed wells is crucial for maintaining safe water supplies. Provincial and municipal regulations govern groundwater use and wellhead protection to safeguard these vital resources.