Clean water supply works – Water is collected, cleaned then supplied through pipes to homes, schools and businesses.

Reservoir – Water is stored here for later use.

Sewers – After use, dirty water is collected for treatment to make it safe to use again.

Wastewater treatment works – Dirty water is cleaned and safely returned to the environment, mainly via rivers and the sea. River – Water is collected from

here and pumped to the reservoir and the clean water supply works.

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Precipitation (Rainfall) – The drops of water in the clouds fall as rain when they become too heavy, or as snow if it is colder.

Water flow – Rain water runs over, through or under the soil and collects in rivers, which take it back to the sea.

Percolation – Rainfall eventually flows into the nearest river or stream – or soaks into porous ground such as chalk.

Condensation – As water vapour rises, it cools and turns back into tiny drops of water, forming clouds.

Evaporation – The sun heats up water on land and in rivers, lakes and seas and it turns into a gas called water vapour.

Transpiration – Trees and plants draw up water from the soil. This moisture then escapes through their leaves.

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