This diagram demonstrates the groundwater system. The cycle begins with recharge, where water from the surface soaks into the soil reaching the water table. Discharge occurs at bodies of water where the water can move from the soil into the free flowing water. Water can be removed from below the water table by wells. Contamination can occur when materials are buried and their contaminants get into the soil water, or are leached from the surface. Salt water intrusions can happen in soils near salt water. This salt water can move into the soil polluting the aquifer.