The word style "groundwater" reflects increased public awareness of the resource.

Scientists and engineers understand and communicate hydrologic concepts with the one-word or two-word form of ‘‘groundwater’’ or ‘‘ground water,’’ with care toward consistency in their usage. Both forms certainly mean the same thing. Scientists and engineers also want to improve the public’s scientific understanding of water resources to ensure their future quality and availability. Language provides a means to communicate concepts and create understanding among all persons. This commentary discusses the public’s awareness of the concept of ground water as reflected in the use of two-word vs. one-word forms and speaks to continuing limitations in the public’s understanding of the role of ground water in the hydrologic cycle as reflected in the common definition of hydrologic cycle.