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Drinking Water
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Drinking Water

The quality of your drinking water depends on its source and the treatment it receives to ensure safety.

Overview

We all need to drink water. How much you need depends on your size, activity level, and the weather where you live.

Sources and Treatment

The water you drink is a combination of surface water and groundwater. Surface water includes rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, while groundwater comes from underground. The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but drinking water quality can vary from place to place. It depends on the condition of the source water and the treatment it receives. Treatment may include adding fluoride to prevent cavities and chlorine to kill germs.

Water Quality Reports

Your water supplier must give you annual reports on drinking water. The reports include where your water came from and what contaminants are in it.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

First, review your annual Water Quality Report to understand what substances are present. If you have specific concerns, contact your local water utility or health department for guidance. For private well owners, regular testing by a certified lab is recommended, as these supplies are not regulated in the same way as public systems.
Your local water supplier is required to provide an annual Water Quality Report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report. This report details where your water comes from, what contaminants have been detected, and how the water is treated. You can usually find it on your water supplier's website or request a copy.
The amount of water you need varies significantly based on factors like your body size, activity level, and the climate you live in. A general guideline for adults is often around 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day, but you may need more if you are exercising, in hot weather, or have certain health conditions. Listen to your body and drink when you feel thirsty.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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