
As to the source of your households’ water, that really depends on where you live, whether you live in a rural location or a more densely populated area such as a city or large town. For those living in highly populated areas, the most likely source of water is a reservoir. This could be located some miles away and is referred to as a “surface” water source.
What about if you live in a more rural location? Your water supply would most probably be from a well which is filled by an underground reservoir, or aquifer.
How can you tell if this water is safe? A lot depends not just on the water itself but also the surrounding land and what it is being used for. For example, is it used for industrial purposes or is it farmland? The term used when referring to the surrounding land is “the water shed”.
While you may find this information useful, perhaps your wondering how you can find out about the water source for your specific location. It is possible to find out about your areas water supply by contacting your water supply company. Since 1999, suppliers of community water are required to have this information available to its consumers by providing an annual report. In this report you will find information on where the water comes from and also what kinds of contaminates might have been found in it. In this way, you will be able to make informed choices for you and your household.