water supply

American  

noun

1. the supply of purified water available to a community.

2. the facilities for storing and supplying this water, as reservoirs and pipelines.

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water supply British  

noun

1. an arrangement of reservoirs, purification plant, distribution pipes, etc, for providing water to a community

2. the supply of treated and purified water for a community

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Other Word Forms

• water-supply adjective

Etymology

Origin of water supply

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Researchers say the animal is a threat to the state’s agriculture and water supply.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Fuel rationing has shortened queues, but on Thursday, the government began limiting water supply hours to conserve reserves and save pumping costs.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Democrats largely concurred on issues such as reducing regulations and increasing water supply to farmers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In a February memo, the DHS said the warehouses it is purchasing already have sufficient water supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

With the water supply gone, firemen could do very little unless they were near the river or lake and could draw water directly from those sources.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy

Related Words

• water system
• waterworks