How Does Water Get to Homes?

City Water

City water comes from surface water--such as rivers, lakes and ground water--which is deep underground in aquifers and requires a deep well to access. Underground pipes carry the water to water treatment plants, where the water is filtered and cleaned. The water may be stored in a reservoir. The water is then sent through a maze of pipes and water mains to every house in the city. In front of every house is a water main that routes the city water to that particular house.

Well Water

People who are not connected to city water use water from wells. A well is a long tunnel that reaches water that gathers naturally, deep in the earth. A pump sends the water up through pipes and into the pipes of a home.

Pipes

Whether a home is connected to city or well water, once it's in your home, all incoming water is routed to the water heater. Once at the water heater, the water pipe splits into two separate pipes, one for hot and one for cold. The cold water is routed throughout the house without passing through the water heater, while the hot water pipe is channeled through the water heater. Both hot and cold water pipes are routed to every faucet in your home.