Final answer:
Urban areas commonly obtain their drinking water from surface sources like lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Water engineering is crucial in managing the process of treating this water to make it safe for consumption. The hydrologic cycle, including surface runoff, plays a fundamental role in the replenishment of these water supplies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urban water supplies mainly derive from surface sources such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
These sources are essential for providing potable water after undergoing crucial steps such as the treatment of drinking water. Engineering fields like water engineering play a pivotal role in designing and managing the processes of water treatment plants.
The hydrologic cycle describes the journey water takes from evaporation to condensation and precipitation. This cycle includes surface runoff, which consists of freshwater flowing from rain or melting ice, and it contributes significantly to the water supply in areas near surface water bodies.