The primary source of moisture for the local water supplies is

1 potential evaporation and transpiration

2 actual evaporation and transpiration

3 ground water storage
4 precipitation

This depends on the locality. In my town, it is well water, but in the next largest city, it is from a lake (precipation runoff)

do you have any idea what is it in Penfield, NY?

www.ijc.org/fr/activites/losl/documents/2008_05_27_Herman_2.pdf

To determine the primary source of moisture for local water supplies, we need to analyze the given options and understand how each one contributes to the availability of water. Let's break down each option:

1) Potential evaporation and transpiration: This refers to the amount of water that could potentially evaporate from the surface, and the water that plants release through transpiration. While potential evaporation and transpiration play a role in the overall water cycle, they are not the primary sources for local water supplies.

2) Actual evaporation and transpiration: This option refers to the actual amount of water that evaporates from the surface and the amount released by plants through transpiration. Similarly to potential evaporation and transpiration, while these processes contribute to the water cycle, they are not the primary sources of water for local supplies.

3) Groundwater storage: Groundwater refers to water that is stored underground in porous rock formations called aquifers. This option implies that local water supplies are primarily sourced from these underground reserves. Groundwater can be accessed through wells or extracted through natural springs. In many areas, this is indeed a significant source of water for drinking, irrigation, and other industrial uses.

4) Precipitation: Precipitation is the process of water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This is the primary source of water for most local supplies. Precipitation collects on rooftops, infiltrates into the soil, flows into streams and rivers, and eventually makes its way into reservoirs or groundwater systems, where it can be treated and distributed as drinking water.

Considering the options provided, the primary source of moisture for local water supplies is typically precipitation (Option 4). However, it's important to note that the contribution of groundwater storage can vary depending on geographical location, climate, and local hydrological conditions. To determine the specific primary source of moisture for a given area, it may be necessary to consult local water management authorities or research specific information related to that location.