What is source water?
Surface water (streams, rivers, and lakes) or ground water 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.
Easy Things to Protect Drinking Water Sources
Use and dispose of harmful materials properly.
Don't dump hazardous waste on the ground. It can contaminate the soil, which could also contaminate the ground water or
nearby surface water. A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground
or surface waters, such as:
•Motor oil
•Pesticides
•Leftover paints ot paint cans
•Mothballs
•Flea collars
•Household cleaners
•A number of medicines
Don't overuse pesticides or fertilizers. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain hazardous chemicals. These can travel through the
soil and contaminate ground water. If you feel you must use these chemicals, please remember to use them in moderation.
