Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning S

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

subsidence

The dropping or lowering of the ground surface as a result of removing excess water (overdraft or overpumping) from an aquifer. After excess water has been removed, the soil will settle, become compacted, and the ground surface will drop, which can cause the settling of underground utilities.