Where Your Tap Water Comes From
Most U.S. tap water comes from surface or ground water
Source water 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. Water sources can include:
- Surface water (for example, a lake, river, or reservoir)
- Ground water (for example, an aquifer)
- Recycled water (also called reused water)
In the United States, 9 out of 10 people get their water from one of more than 148,000 public water systems. To make sure water from these systems is safe to drink, federal, state, and local authorities regulate and monitor public water systems.
How do I know my water is safe?
Customers who are served by a public water system can contact their local water supplier and ask for information on germs and chemicals in their drinking water. Customers are encouraged to request a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.
People who use private wells or cisternsshould have their water testedannually for germs and chemicals to ensure their drinking water is safe.
The water flowing from your tap may come from hundreds of miles away. Public water systems are most often supplied by surface water or ground water. Large cities and towns usually get their water from surface water supplies or a mix of surface and ground water supplies. Some small, rural communities rely solely on ground water supplies, which may or may not require treatment to meet drinking water standards.
If you do not get your water from a public water system, you most likely have a private ground water well. Around 13 million U.S. households get their drinking water from a private well.
If your home is not connected to a public water system and you do not have a ground water source, you may get your water from a rainwater collection system. In many areas of the world, people collect and use rainwater as their drinking water source.
