Which example represents surface water?

Surface water refers to any body of water that is located on the surface of the Earth. This includes rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Ponds and lakes are prime examples of surface water, as they collect rainwater and runoff, providing habitats for various ecosystems and serving as critical resources for human use.

In contrast, groundwater aquifers are found below the earth's surface, making them a different category of water source. Rainwater collected in barrels can be considered a temporary holding of precipitation but does not itself represent a permanent surface water body. Desalinated water, while an important resource, specifically refers to seawater that has been treated to remove salt and other impurities, and is not inherently a surface water source. Therefore, the identification of ponds and lakes as surface water is accurate, as they are naturally occurring bodies of water readily accessible and visible on the Earth’s surface.