Initially it must be pointed out that Ireland is a country that gets a lot of rain. So there are many natural sources of water, from streams to rivers and lakes, underground springs and wells. There are also a large number of reservoirs. These supply the main towns and cities. For smaller areas, there are often what are called "group water schemes" where they will source their water from one of the natural sources, and then, like in the reservoirs, treat it to make it safe for drinking.