ABSTRACT
Where do we get our drinking water from? What is the source? Our answer would most likely turn to one of two possibilities: groundwater or surface water. This answer seems simple enough, because these two sources are, indeed, the primary sources of most water supplies. From our earlier discussion of the hydrologic or water cycle, we know that, from whichever source we obtain our drinking water, the source is constantly being replenished (we hope) with a supply of freshwater. This water cycle phenomenon was best summed up by Heraclitus of Ephesus, who said, “You could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you.” In this chapter, we discuss one of the drinking water practitioner’s primary duties-to find and secure a source of potable water for human use.
