Regional Water Authority : Be Water Smart : Water Fun for Kids

Water is a Special Thing
Water is our most precious resource. We need it to replenish our bodies, grow food, maintain lawns and landscapes, and produce everything from hamburgers to computers. The environment also depends on water to keep forests, rivers and streams healthy and support fish and wildlife.

Because the Sacramento region is blessed with two major rivers, it would be easy to think that our water supply is endless. But it's important to remember that people, farms and businesses in many parts of the state rely on those rivers to meet their daily needs for water. Fish such as salmon and steelhead also depend on the rivers for their survival.

That's why we need to use water wisely. We simply can't afford to waste even small amounts of water. In California, we know we must be as water efficient as possible, and kids can help. How? By learning about water, where it comes from and what we can do to protect and conserve it.

Where Does Our Water Come From?
People use water every day for dozens of different things. Whether it's brushing your teeth, washing the dishes or quenching your thirst, water is the one thing you can't do without in daily life. But as essential as water is, few people know where their water comes from or how it gets to their tap.

In the Sacramento region, water comes from two sources: underground water basins called aquifers, and surface water sources such as the American River and the Sacramento River.

Rain and snowfall are the real source of supply for both underground water (also known as groundwater) and surface water such as rivers and streams. Groundwater is basically rain that has trickled through rock layers, forming pools after many years. Rivers are fed by rain and snowmelt that runs off from mountains into networks of streams and creeks called watersheds. Reservoirs such as Folsom Lake capture and store water for use later.

In many areas, groundwater basins have been depleted because water is drawn out at a faster rate than rain trickles back down. Droughts are particularly hard on groundwater supplies. Surface water such as rivers and streams also depend on rain and snowfall in the Sierras from year to year. A series of dry years can seriously reduce the water flowing in rivers and stored in lakes and reservoirs.

How Does Water Get to Our Homes?
Water arrives at your tap after a long and expensive journey from its source. Whether it comes from a river or from a groundwater well, water must be treated and purified before it is delivered to homes and businesses. After it is treated, water travels through a distribution system to individual homes and other buildings.

In the Sacramento area, there are many local water suppliers. Each maintains a portion of the region's water distribution system. Water suppliers prepare a report every year - called a Consumer Confidence Report - that describes exactly where your water comes from, how it is treated, and what if any contaminants it contains. You can get a copy from your local water supplier.

After water is used in your home, it goes through another system of pipes to a wastewater treatment plant. The water is treated to meet statewide standards and then released, or discharged, into rivers and streams at approved locations. Some wastewater is recycled, or re-treated, and used again to irrigate golf courses, freeway medians and parks. Recycled water is also used to flush toilets in some areas.