Which of the following describes surface water?

Surface water refers to bodies of water that are found above ground, which includes water in rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. This type of water is directly exposed to the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in ecosystems, as well as being a significant resource for human activities such as drinking water supply, agriculture, and recreation.

The other options do not accurately describe surface water. Underground water, such as that found in aquifers, is categorized as groundwater rather than surface water. Evaporated water refers to water vapor in the atmosphere, which also does not fit the definition of surface water and is part of the water cycle. Thus, the choice of water in rivers and lakes is the correct representation of surface water.