The water cycle wasn't "discovered" in a single year by a single person. It's a natural process that's been understood and described over centuries, with many people contributing to our knowledge of it.

Here's a timeline of important contributions:

* Ancient civilizations: Early civilizations understood the basic components of the water cycle - rain, evaporation, and rivers.

* 6th century BC: Greek philosopher Anaximander described water as the origin of all things and believed it continuously cycled between the earth and the sky.

* 16th century: Leonardo da Vinci made detailed drawings and observations about the water cycle, including the role of evaporation and condensation.

* 17th century: Edmond Halley published a paper in 1687 outlining the first quantitative estimate of the amount of water evaporated from the ocean.

* 18th and 19th centuries: Scientists like James Hutton, John Dalton, and others made significant contributions to understanding the processes of the water cycle, including the role of atmospheric pressure and the properties of water vapor.

Therefore, it's more accurate to say that our understanding of the water cycle has evolved over time, with many individuals contributing to its understanding.