Memphis is home to many unique treasures, but perhaps one of the most vital and coveted is its magnificent drinking water. Few cities in the world can boast water that is as pure, refreshing and tasteful as that found in our own hometown. While most of the world's drinking water originates from surface lakes, streams and rivers, Memphians enjoy the unique privilege of water derived from the Memphis Sands aquifer.

This subterranean treasure contains more than 100 trillion gallons of rainwater that some experts believe fell more than 2000 years ago. The pristine nature of this water springs from a natural filtration system of alternating layers of clay, sand and gravel that sift out the impurities.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) is proud to present the 2013 Water Quality Report. Our water not only meets, but exceeds the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Memphis water is obtained from underground aquifers. The water we consume in our city has undergone a slow, natural filtering process through outcropping sands. From this high-quality water source, MLGW pumps and further treats the water to obtain a product that ranks among the finest in the world.

• 2013 Water Quality Report