Crossword Genius

Water supply American provided in Queens? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aquifer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'water' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both natural objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'american provided in queens?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'american' could be 'a' (common abbreviation - e.g. in organisation names) and 'a' is located in the answer.
'provided' could be 'if' (eg 'provided it's sunny' means 'if it's sunny') and 'if' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'supply' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aquifer that I've seen before include "Water-bearing rock formation" , "Water-bearing stratum of permeable rock" , "Water-carrying layer of rock" , "it holds water" , "Underground source of water" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.