Oberflächenwasserführung

Oberflächenwasser (surface water) refers to water that rests on the surface of the Earth and is accessible for use and ecological processes. It includes rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, wetlands, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal and offshore waters. Surface water integrates with the atmosphere, soil, and groundwater and is a major component of the hydrological cycle.

It forms from precipitation and snowmelt, and it is redistributed by runoff and streamflow. Water may reside in lakes and reservoirs for varying periods or move continuously through river networks. Perennial surface waters flow year-round in favorable climates, while ephemeral or intermittent bodies dry up during dry seasons. Human activity creates artificial surface water bodies such as reservoirs.

Surface water provides drinking water, irrigation, industrial cooling, hydroelectric power, and transportation, and it supports recreational activities and biodiversity. Ecosystems rely on certain flow regimes, temperatures, and nutrient levels to maintain habitats for fish, birds, and other organisms.

Protection and management focus on maintaining water quality, controlling pollution, managing sediment and nutrients, and ensuring adequate environmental flows. Common threats include pollution, eutrophication, temperature changes, invasive species, and damming. Effective governance combines monitoring, watershed planning, pollution controls, and sustainable use to balance ecological health with human needs.