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In the United States, it can be easy to take for granted the water that flows from the faucet. This water must undergo a fair amount of treatment before it reaches the sink, and many drink tap water without reservations. Many people, however, are unaware of where this water comes from, and if it is safe todrink.
All tap water comes from a water source. A water source, according to the CDC, “refers to bodies of water (such as rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ground water) that provide water to public drinking-water supplies and private wells” (1). In other words, a water source is where your tap water comes from.
The water source for your tap water can come from anywhere in the country. Some larger cities pump water in from groundwater sources hundreds of miles away. Smaller communities may rely on a nearby lake to source their water. If your water does not come from a public water system, there is a possibility that your water comes from a private well.
There are three main water sources, including surface water, groundwater, and recycled water.
Surface water refers to any body of water that is above ground (2). For example, lakes, streams, rivers, creeks, springs, and reservoirs are all sources of surface water. The ocean, while not used as a source of tap water, is also considered surface water.
Surface water levels can increase or deplete depending on outside forces. Rain and water runoff can increase the amount of surface water in a source. Water may evaporate or seep into the ground, causing surface water levels to decrease. Human usage of surface water can also cause a source to decrease, and overuse of water can cause a surface water source to run out. When a town’s sole water source is a lake or river, it is important to avoid excessive water usage, as this can deplete the water supply for the whole town.
Many communities rely on surface water, or a mixture of surface and groundwater, for human use and irrigation.
Another common water source that supplies your faucet with water is groundwater. Groundwater is water that “exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface” (3). Oftentimes, this water is found inside of rock, a source known as an aquifer.
Wells or public sources can drill into an aquifer to tap into the groundwater supply. Forty percent of public water systems pump groundwater to be used in households (3). This does not include rural areas that rely on private wells for their water source.
Like surface water, groundwater sources can deplete. Overuse of water can dry up a well or aquifer, which can cause a water shortage for an entire community. Care must be taken to ensure a groundwater source can last for future generations.
Recycled water is water that is repurposed and retreated to use for beneficial purposes. Water reuse is commonly used in irrigation, replenishing groundwater sources, environmental restoration, and even in tap water (4). This environmentally-friendly process reclaims water that would otherwise be wasted, and it gives it a second use.
Recycled water can come from a variety of different sources, including wastewater, stormwater, agricultural runoff, and industry cooling water. The state is in charge of deciding where this recycled water can go, but the idea is to treat the water to ensure human safety. For example, California, Florida, and Arizona are in the works of recycling sewage wastewater into drinking water (5). Colorado and Texas already have reuse plants built for this very process. To ensure human safety, the water must undergo three distinct treatments to disinfect the water and remove waste before purifying the water. From there, the water is treated one final time before it can return to a groundwater source to be used for public consumption.
With so many potential sources that your tap water may stem from, it may be difficult to know which one your tap water is drawn from. If you are served by a public water system, you can contact your local utility to learn more about your water source. If you are not served by a public system, your water is most likely drawn from a private well.
To learn more about the quality of your tap water, you may request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report from your local water supplier (1).
While all public water supplies are treated to a certain extent to make their water safe for human consumption, there is always a risk of contamination entering your water. Whether the risk stems from old lead pipes, agricultural runoff, or bacteria entering your tap water, it is recommended to run your tap water through a water filter to be sure you are drinking safe water.
Seychelle offers a variety of filters to cover any contaminant that may be of concern–from bacteria to heavy metals to radiological contaminants. By shopping Seychelle, you can be assured that your water is safe to drink… no matter the source.
A water source refers to the body of water that provides water to public supplies and private wells. There are three main water sources: surface water, ground water, and recycled water. These three sources provide the water that comes out of the tap and into homes. To ensure the water entering your household is safe to drink, try filtering your tap water through an independently lab-tested water filter.
What are different water sources?
Different water sources include surface water (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.), ground water (aquifers), and recycled water (stormwater, agricultural runoff, etc.) sources.
How many sources of water do we have?
The number of water sources depends on the way the sources are being categorized. According to the CDC, there are three main water sources: surface water, groundwater, and recycled water.
How do I know my water source?
Contacting your local water utility will help you learn where your water is coming from.
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