What defines a public water system?

A public water system is defined as one that serves at least 15 connections or provides water to a minimum of 25 individuals daily. This definition ensures that the system meets the regulatory requirements set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other governing bodies, aimed at safeguarding public health. By having this threshold, it becomes essential to monitor the quality and safety of the water supplied to a community, which is key in preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring compliance with water quality standards.

The other options do not meet the definition of a public water system. Although a system operated by a private company might meet public health standards, it does not inherently define the system as public without the criteria of serving a specific number of connections or individuals. Additionally, a system that solely utilizes groundwater does not automatically qualify as a public water system; it is the connection count or individual access that primarily defines it. Lastly, a system lacking treatment processes could also fail to take adequate measures for ensuring water safety, thus not qualifying as a public water system. This underscores the importance of established connections and daily users in the definition of public water systems.