Final answer:
A gutter is a receptacle installed to collect surface or rainwater from an open area. It helps manage runoff during rainstorms by channeling water to proper drainage systems. Urban water supply and treatment often involve water engineering and the use of collected rainwater can be part of sustainable environmental management systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
A receptacle installed to collect surface or rainwater from an open area is known as a gutter. During a rainstorm, water that does not infiltrate the soil becomes runoff, which collects in gutters, then to drainage systems, and eventually flows back into streams, rivers, or oceans. In urban settings, running water is managed to prevent flooding and waterlogging, which can be achieved through effective water drainage systems.
Urban water supplies can come from surface sources such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs or from groundwater. The water obtained from these sources often goes through water treatment processes to ensure it is safe for use. The design and management of water treatment plants involve water engineering specializations, which ensure the proper treatment of both drinking water and wastewater.
In conclusion, gutters are specifically designed to collect and direct rainwater to prevent the accumulation of surface water and mitigate potential water damage or flooding. Other systems can also be in place to ensure collected rainwater is utilized beneficially, such as in agricultural irrigation or integrated into the cooling systems of buildings, like the Super-trees environmental project that uses collected rainwater for its vertical gardens.