Final answer:
North Jersey primarily utilizes surface water sources for drinking water while South Jersey relies more on groundwater from aquifers. Water quality in both regions depends on the source and treatment, which is detailed in annual consumer confidence reports provided by local suppliers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sources of drinking water in North and South Jersey vary significantly. In general, North Jersey relies more heavily on surface water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for its drinking water supply. These sources are sometimes located within close proximity to urban areas where the water is used, although they can also be sourced from areas further away. The entire watershed area contributes to the water system, with rainfall or snowmelt flowing into the water bodies.In contrast, South Jersey tends to use more ground water, extracted from aquifers through wells. These natural underground water reservoirs vary in size, potentially spanning across several states or just a few miles wide. Ground water can be particularly sensitive to activities occurring at a distance, which means that both surface and groundwater quality can be impacted by far-reaching factors.Water quality varies depending on the source and treatment processes employed by local suppliers. In both parts of the state, community water suppliers are mandated to issue annual consumer confidence reports detailing the drinking water quality, its sources, and any contaminants that may be present. Therefore, residents in each region can understand their water quality through these reports.