In most parts of the United States today, residents take clean, plentiful water for granted. We trust that when we turn on the faucet, we will have access to as much good water as we need. But how does it get there? Where does it come from? Is it really pure?

Citizens of developing countries around the world must often spend time carrying water every day from the water source to their homes. Sometimes the only available water isn’t of good quality, resulting in many waterborne illnesses.

About half of this country’s drinking water is groundwater. Modern technology helps us withdraw groundwater from the aquifer, treat it as needed, and then deliver it to our homes.