Groundwater is the raw water that is naturally present in the aquifers under the surface of the ground. The depth of the water can range from as little as a few feet to several hundred feet. It is the source from which all water suppliers on Long Island get their water.
Drinking water is the finished product that arrives at your tap every day. Some water suppliers use filtration systems for the water to ensure that any contaminants, naturally occurring or otherwise, are removed and that the water meets all government standards.
Many news outlets interchange these two terms when, in fact, they could not be more different from each other!