The Lakes and rivers are major sources of surface water. They play an important role in groundwater recharging. The Lakes are the source of stagnant surface water. Their area is limited but they have the capability of self saturation by percolation. The water of lakes percolates into the soil and enriched the groundwater aquifers. As a result they increase the water table of the adjoining area and help in groundwater recharging.
The rivers are lotic ecosystem and are distributed in a broad area. It cannot be delimited by any boundary. The main source of fresh water on earth is the rivers. The rivers have the capability of self purifying during their movement. Hence their water is automatically treated. So the rivers are also prominent source of groundwater recharging .
Lakes and rivers also help in controlling the surface flow of rain water. They provide a temporary hault to the water, thus preventing the flood on one hand and pouring the water into the underground aquifer, recharging the groundwater on the other hand.
At the same time if the lakes and rivers are carrying industrial effluents then they become curse to the groundwater; as they provide the way for pollutants to the groundwater system.