What constitutes a public water system under the SDWA?

To determine what constitutes a public water system under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), it is important to focus on specific criteria outlined in the legislation. A public water system is defined as a system that provides water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances.

One key aspect of this definition is the requirement concerning the number of service connections. A system must have at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or serve an average of at least 25 year-round residents to qualify as a public water system. This stipulation ensures that systems are monitored and regulated to maintain water quality and safety for the public.

While operating for 30 or more days is relevant in terms of duration, it does not define a public water system's connection requirement. Similarly, the reference to at least 50 service connections exceeds the minimum standard necessary for a system to be classified as public. Lastly, serving industrial sites exclusively does not meet the criteria since a public water system must primarily serve individuals for residential use.

Understanding these definitions and requirements is essential for water system operators and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with the SDWA and to protect public health through safe drinking water provision.