Most tap water starts its journey in one of two places: surface water or groundwater.
Surface Water: This includes lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Water is collected from these sources and sent to a treatment plant.
Groundwater: This is water found underground in porous rock formations called aquifers. We access it by pumping it up through wells.
In many regions, a municipal supply uses a combination of both. Once collected, this "raw water" is far from ready to drink. It travels to a treatment facility where it undergoes a rigorous cleaning process to ensure it's safe for our homes.