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.
Instructor: John Williams. In chemistry, water is considered to be the universal solvent, and materials that are hydrophilic can dissolve in it. Hydrophobic molecules, however, do not dissolve in water. This lesson discusses the characteristics necessary for molecules to be considered hydrophobic.n chemistry, water is considered to be the universal solvent, and materials that are hydrophilic can dissolve in it. Hydrophobic molecules, however, do not dissolve in water.