Where does our drinking water really come from

Where does our drinking water really come from?

For almost all of us…. … the water we drink originally comes from the ground, which is why it is called GROUNDWATER!

How do we get that water into our home? Today, most of us drink groundwater that is pumped to the surface from a well. Then we can just go to our faucet, and get a glass of water whenever we want. Is that how it worked for Anne?

Anne’s family used water from a spring! Springs appear when pressure underground is forcing groundwater to come up and flow from the Earth’s surface. Springwater right at the source is safe to drink. This is why many immigrant families settled in areas close to springs.

What is a “springhouse”? A springhouse is a small building that is built over a spring. Their job was to protect the spring water from things like falling leaves and animal waste. They also created a cold area where food that spoils easily could be stored. Spring water has a very cold, constant temperature all year long, so that made it colder inside.

Norskedalen’s springhouse Here is a picture of the springhouse at Norskedalen. We have taken care of it through the years so it is still in very good shape! Perhaps you can come visit Norskedalen and see this and the other buildings that make up Anne’s homestead.

Which of the following would NOT be needed if your family had a springhouse? A. Refrigerator to keep things like meat and dairy products from spoiling B. Well system that pumps groundwater to house C. Root cellar to store vegetables in a cooler place D. All of the above

Did you answer correctly? You chose the correct answer if you picked D! Springhouses can provide clean water for a family as well as keep food at a colder temperature.