Invisible systems
Water supply
Turning a water source into a reliable service takes a whole network.
Utilities collect, treat and distribute water. The treatment needed depends on the source and the system serving a community.
A closer look
The picture, in three parts.
Collect
Water comes from a surface or underground source.
Treat
Processes can include settling, filtration and disinfection.
Distribute
Pipes, storage and pumps help deliver the service.
Where could this take you next?
Sources & further reading +
Short explanations, grounded in published sources. Follow the originals for depth and context.
Sources checked: 10 September 2026. Visuals are illustrations, not documentary evidence.
Our approach to sources and corrections