Public utilities are companies or government agencies that supply needs such as electricity, gas, or waterto the public.
Water utilities get their water from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or underground aquifers.
Often, the water must be treated to make it safe to drink. We reuse the same water over and over and it can become polluted by people and industry. Even deep underground aqifers can be polluted from the surface. For example, many household items, such as car wax, spot remover, or floor polish, should not be poured down the drain ar thrown out in the trash. Even lawn chemicals and other garden toxins used outdoors can contaminate water sources by running off the land into storm drains.