unappropriated water: Water that has not been appropriated, and which no person or entity has claims or superior rights.

unconfined aquifer: See aquifer (1).

unconformity: A discontinuity interface in the depositional pattern of sediments. The erosional interface between older and younger sediments.

unconsolidated: In granular sediments, it pertains to the lack of rigidity because binding by water-borne cementing minerals has not taken place. Compare consolidation.

underflow: (1) Ground water flow within a streambed below a surface stream; (2) lateral movement of water through the soil zone, also known as interflow. GWAC.

unnatural: Manmade, manufactured, reclaimed, reused, a substitute for the natural.

unnatural recharge: The downstream act to add to or replenish a resource that is being exhausted. A downstream man-made means by which reclaimed water is returned to an aquifer. A conservation measure not part of the hydrologic cycle and not to be confused with renewal.

unsaturated zone: This is the aerated zone. Sometimes called vadose zone.

use: (1) To consume, to exhaust, to exploit. (2) For consumption.

user supplied data: Data or records of water uses provided by an owner/user that has not been verified by state officials. CSU.