definition
strict definition
water collection
A facility extracting water from a natural source and feeding a distribution system, including desalination plants.
A water collection site is a place where water is taken from a natural source and fed into a distribution system. The source can be an underground reserve, a body of standing water, a body of flowing water, airborne vapor, or any natural substance from which water can be extracted. Desalination plants are classed along with this usage.
The source need not be a river or lake. Underground reserves, airborne moisture, and other natural water-bearing substances are included.
Desalination plants are expressly included. Water distribution instead concerns transport from the extraction point toward the places of use.
