water table

plural water tables

1. geographyThe level, underground, below which the ground is saturated with water.

   The heavy rain, combined with the high-water table in the flat Fenland landscape, made for difficult working conditions which was already threatening NR's preparedness for the nine-day blockade in September.

   2020 November 18, Paul Stephen, “Preparing for the big push at Werrington”, in Rail, page 57

   1 more example

   In contrast, peatland vegetation may or may not occur in riparian settings in Minnesota. These peatlands find themselves at the water's edge on flat landforms that have paludified—the process by which peat accumulates in response to rising water tables in areas that were formerly terrestrial. As these peatlands grow both vertically and in area, they encircle lake basins or develop their own open-water drainage […]

   1996, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota, At the Water’s Edge: The Science of Riparian Forestry: Conference Proceedings, University of Minnesota Press, page 54

   Synonyms: phreatic surface

2. architectureA molding or other projection in the wall of a building to throw off rainwater.
3. A child's toy resembling a sand table but filled with water instead of sand.