The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane is known as . water moves across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of solute concentration to an area of solute concentration. if the intracellular concentration of electrolytes is lower than the extracellular concentration, water will move the cell. if the intracellular concentration of electrolytes is higher than the extracellular concentration, water will move the cell. active transport of into the cells that line the intestines creates a concentration gradient that results in efficient absorption of water.