Final answer:
The statement is false; influent streams lose water to the water table through infiltration. The water table mirrors topographical features and receives water from rainfall, known as recharge. Groundwater flows can become contaminated and must be managed carefully.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Water infiltrates down to the water table from influent streams' is false. An influent stream loses water as it flows over the ground, allowing it to infiltrate down to the water table. In contrast, effluent streams gain water from the ground as their water table is higher than the stream bed, contributing to the stream's flow.
The water table aligns with the topography of the landscape, rising and falling with hills and valleys, respectively. It receives water from rainfall infiltration, which is called recharge. Groundwater moves from areas of high elevation to low elevation and can become contaminated from various sources, making the management and containment of pollutants a significant challenge. The positions and flow of groundwater are crucial for maintaining a clean and sustainable water supply.