atmasphere
... you are far better off if the ground is tied to the water mains as is traditional. Stakes in the ground tend to be variable, and if the ground connection is indeed on the water mains, the stake in the ground should not be used at all unless all your water connections involve plastic pipesI'm surprised to see Ralph state this. IMO, you are best served by complying with NEC and local codes. That usually requires stakes in the ground bonded to the ground in the service panel.