| Property | Springs | Seeps |
| Origin (emergence of ground water) | Usually emerge from a single point, having a well-defined origin | Usually emerge over a larger area, having no well-defined origin |
| Flow type | Concentrated flow | Diffuse flow |
| Flow rate | Higher; can be the source of a small trickle, a stream, or even a sizable river | Lower; only rarely have a volume large enough to form a stream |
| Hydrology | Often have a more persistent source of water | Often periodically dry |
| Biodiversity | Support a higher diversity of wetland vegetation | Support a lower diversity of wetland vegetation |