One important factor in dealing with HC surface and ground water supplies is the differences in surface water flow and tributary ground water flow. In Nebraska, for example, stream-flow may move twenty-five miles per day or more, whereas ground water flow may be 300 feet per year.hen the aquifer is, say, twenty feet higher than the stream, the ground water will flow toward the stream more quickly than if the aquifer is only one foot higher than the stream.
Why Water Is Called the Universal Solvent Water dissolves more chemicals than any other solvent because its polar nature gives each molecule a hydophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving) side.
Water is a great solvent for hydrophilic molecules but hydrophobic molecules are, by definition, not easily disturbed by water. This makes a clear exception to the Universal Solvent idea. I haven't read any literature claiming it to actually be the best solvent, but it does work well in many chemical situations.