Urban water cycle stages

The urban water cycle details the long journey of a drop of water from when it is collected for use in an urban community to when it is returned to the natural water cycle.

Stages in the urban water cycle

1. Collection of water in a catchment
2. Transportation via rivers and pipes
3. Storage of the water in dams
4. Cleansing and purification
5. Distribution through water supply mains
6. Storage in suburban reservoirs
7. Distribution to homes through a network of mains water pipes
8. Measurement of the water entering a home or business using a water meter
9. Pipes carry wastewater into the sewers
10. Processing at a sewage treatment plant
11. Treated water is returned to the natural cycle as ground water or river water