Which of the following is not a source of retail agency water?

• A. Well
• B. Surface
• C. River
• D. Ground

Answer: (C)

Retail agency water refers to the water supplied by local municipal or retail water agencies to consumers for residential, commercial, and public use. Understanding the sources of such water is essential in water management and conservation.

The correct answer indicates that "river" is not considered a direct source of retail agency water. While rivers can indeed supply water, they are typically part of a larger system where water is collected from surface water sources, treated, and distributed. The actual source of retail agency water would more accurately encompass wells, surface water (like reservoirs or lakes), and groundwater, which may not directly include rivers themselves.

Wells provide water by drawing from underground aquifers, surface water sources encompass lakes, reservoirs, and streams, and groundwater is located beneath the Earth’s surface, often accessed via wells. Rivers may contribute to these sources when they flow into reservoirs or feed into groundwater systems, but they don't function as a direct supplier that retail agencies might pull from for distribution to consumers.

Recognizing this distinction is essential in understanding water sourcing and management practices within the context of landscape and irrigation planning.