What is seepage?

Seepage is the movement of water into and out of soil or permeable rock formations through small openings or pores within the material. It occurs when there is a difference in water pressure or head between two points, allowing water to flow from the higher pressure area to the lower pressure area. Seepage can be both natural and man-made, and it can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. Positive effects of seepage include the replenishment of groundwater and the creation of wetlands, while negative effects include soil erosion, landslides, and waterlogging. Seepage is a significant consideration in civil engineering, particularly in the design and construction of dams, levees, and other water control structures. There are various methods of controlling or mitigating seepage, including construction of underground drainage systems, use of impermeable membranes, and modification of soil properties.