Water supply

Water supply is the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organisations, community endeavors or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes. Irrigation is covered separately.

Public water supply

Public water supply and sanitation systems (i.e., tap water, sewerage, sewage treatment) are usually provided by utilities that are either owned by the government or operate as private companies. The water industry does not include manufacturers and suppliers of bottled water, which is part of the beverage production and belongs to the food sector.

Self-supply of water and sanitation

Self-supply of water and sanitation systems includes well, boreholes, rainwater collection, etc. For sanitation, it often involves on-site sanitation systems providing for the disposal of human waste.

Water sources

Water supply systems get water from a variety of locations after appropriate treatment, including groundwater (aquifers), surface water (lakes and rivers), and the sea through desalination. The water treatment steps include, in most cases, purification, disinfection through chlorination and sometimes fluoridation.

Water use

Water use can include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities. Most of these require water that has been treated to various degrees to ensure quality and safety.

See also

• Water quality
• Water treatment
• Water distribution
• Water management

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