One hundred gallons. That's how much water the average American uses each day. Water on Tap , a free publication from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, answers these questions, and includes a behind the scenes look at how our drinking water is kept clean. You can also order this publication from the Health section using our online ordering system .
Water is an abundant and renewable resource, but it's also a fragile one.
As our population continues to grow, and more land is developed on and around water sources, the threat of contamination also increases. That means we must be more careful with water before it reaches our homes, taking steps to ensure it's safe to use. Drinking water comes from sources above ground, such as rivers and lakes, or below, including wells and aquifers. This is where your community water system comes in. All water contains naturally occurring contaminants, and usually some resulting from human development and activity.