Information about Assessing, Protecting and Managing Drinking Water Sources
Surface water (streams, rivers, and lakes) or ground water (aquifers) can serve as sources of drinking water, referred to as source water. Source water provides water for public drinking water supplies and private water wells.
Public utilities treat most water used for public drinking water supplies. Protecting source water from contamination can reduce treatment costs. Protecting source water also reduces risks to public health from exposures to contaminated water.
