Public Water Systems
Public water systems are generally classified into three types based on the population served and the type of treatment provided:
Community water systems: These are public water systems that serve the same people year-round and have at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year. They can be either municipal or privately owned, and the water may come from groundwater or surface water sources.
Non-Transient Non-Community water systems: These are public water systems that are not community water systems and serve at least 25 of the same people for more than six months per year. Examples include schools, factories, and hospitals.
Transient Non-Community water systems: These are public water systems that are not community water systems and serve people for a short period of time, usually less than six months. Examples include campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants.
Each type of public water system has different regulatory requirements and treatment standards that must be followed to ensure the safety of the drinking water supply.
Community Water Systems
Community water systems are public water systems that provide drinking water to the same people year-round and have at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year. These systems can be owned by municipalities, private companies, or other entities.
Community water systems can obtain their water from various sources, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater wells. The water is treated to meet the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) before it is distributed to consumers. The treatment process typically involves disinfection, filtration, and sometimes other treatment methods to remove contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants.
Community water systems must also maintain and operate their infrastructure to ensure the water remains safe to drink. This includes regular maintenance of the treatment plants, pipelines, storage tanks, and other components of the distribution system. The EPA regulates community water systems to ensure they meet the SDWA standards and protect public health.
Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems
Non-Transient Non-Community water systems are public water systems that are not community water systems and serve at least 25 of the same people for more than six months per year. These systems are often associated with facilities that provide services to a specific population, such as schools, hospitals, factories, and office buildings.
Like community water systems, non-transient non-community water systems must meet the drinking water standards set by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems are typically smaller than community water systems, and they often use groundwater sources that are treated to remove contaminants before distribution to the consumers.
Non-transient non-community water systems must also follow EPA regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of their infrastructure to ensure the water remains safe to drink. This includes regular monitoring of water quality, maintenance of treatment plants, and distribution systems.
The EPA has established specific requirements for non-transient non-community water systems to ensure the protection of public health. For example, schools must test their drinking water for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule and report results to parents, students, and staff.
Transient Non-Community Water Systems
Transient Non-Community water systems are public water systems that are not community water systems and serve people for a short period of time, usually less than six months. These systems provide drinking water to transient populations, such as campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.
Transient Non-Community water systems are required to meet the same drinking water standards as community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems. These systems typically use groundwater sources that are treated to remove contaminants before distribution to the consumers.
Transient Non-Community water systems must also follow EPA regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of their infrastructure to ensure the water remains safe to drink. This includes regular monitoring of water quality, maintenance of treatment plants, and distribution systems.
The EPA has established specific requirements for Transient Non-Community water systems to ensure the protection of public health. For example, hotels and motels must provide signage to guests notifying them of the potential health risks associated with the use of hot tubs and whirlpools, and the importance of showering before entering these facilities. Restaurants must also follow specific requirements for the use and maintenance of ice machines to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.