Final answer:
Groundwater is characterized by its slow movement, which can lead to widespread contamination from various sources, despite proactive measures to prevent such pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groundwater is typically characterized by its slow movement through the subsurface following a gradient from areas of higher elevation to lower elevation. As it moves, it has the potential to become contaminated from various sources including sewage, landfills, industry, and agriculture. The slow movement of groundwater poses a challenge for contaminant containment as it allows for the spread of pollutants over wide areas.
It has been observed that small amounts of certain pollutants, such as petroleum products and organic solvents, can lead to significant groundwater contamination, affecting large quantities of this crucial water resource. Additionally, measures have been taken to prevent such contamination, such as using fiberglass tanks for underground fuel storage to reduce the leakage and improve groundwater quality.