What are common sources of water for public supply?

For public water supply, surface water and groundwater are indeed the most common sources. Surface water includes sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which are vital for meeting the water demand of communities. Groundwater, found in aquifers, typically contributes a significant portion of drinking water in many regions.

While options such as desalinated water, rainwater, atmospheric moisture, and glacier melt are all relevant sources of water in various contexts, they do not typically serve as primary sources for public water supply systems. Desalinated water is often used in regions with limited freshwater supplies but is not as widespread as surface and groundwater. Rainwater harvesting can be beneficial but is usually more common for individual use rather than large-scale public supply. Similarly, atmospheric moisture and glacier melt contribute to certain water sources, but they do not form the backbone of most municipal water systems. Therefore, the choice of surface water and groundwater accurately reflects the primary sources utilized for public water supply.