For most people, tap water originates from one of two sources: surface water or groundwater.
Surface Water: This is water collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Large pipes and aqueducts transport this water to a treatment plant.
Groundwater: This is water pumped up from underground aquifers through wells. This water is often naturally filtered through layers of rock and soil.
Once it arrives at a municipal treatment facility, the water undergoes a rigorous multi-step process. This typically includes coagulation/flocculation (to clump dirt together), sedimentation (to let the clumps settle), filtration (to remove smaller particles), and disinfection (using chlorine or UV light to kill bacteria and viruses). Finally, a vast network of pipes delivers the treated water to your home.