The freshwater we use comes from surface water and groundwater. Surface water, just as it sounds, is water we can see in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Groundwater is water that seeps down into the ground and collects in the spaces between rocks and soil underground. You can find water just about anywhere on Earth if you dig far enough into the ground.
It is important to protect our water supplies from pollution. Once the water becomes polluted, it can be difficult or even impossible to clean. Chemicals, like cleaning supplies, paints and other toxins, can seep into the ground and make the water unusable. People must dispose of their waste products appropriately so we will have plenty of freshwater to go around.