ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Water supply and sanitation in the United States

Water supply and sanitation in the United States means how water gets from sources, like rivers or underground wells, to people's homes and how human waste and other things that get flushed down toilets, drains, or sewers are managed or treated.

In most parts of the country, the water supply comes from underground wells, lakes, and rivers. These sources need to be treated to remove dirt, germs, and other things that can make people sick. This is done by adding chemicals like chlorine to the water. Once the water is treated, it is sent through pipes to people's homes, schools, and other buildings.

Once the water is used, it flows down drains and toilets into a sewer system. In some areas, the water and waste are separated in two different pipes, while in others, they are combined in one pipe. The waste is then taken to a wastewater treatment plant where it is cleaned and treated before being released back into the environment.

The United States has laws that require clean water supplies and proper sanitation. The government and local authorities work together to make sure that regulations are followed, and the water supply and sanitation systems are regularly maintained and updated. This is done to ensure that people have access to safe and clean water and that the environment is protected from pollution.