Waterborne diseases in the U.S. are more frequently associated with which type of water systems?

The correct choice is non-community water systems, which often serve a specific population, such as schools, campgrounds, or restaurants, but are not regulated to the same extent as community water systems. These systems may lack the consistent water quality monitoring and treatment processes that are typical in larger, community water systems. This makes them more susceptible to contamination and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

For instance, non-community systems might be less frequently tested for microbial or chemical contaminants, allowing harmful pathogens to go undetected longer. Additionally, the population served by these systems may not have the same level of health education regarding water safety, increasing vulnerability to illness. Thus, instances of waterborne diseases are more prevalent in such systems compared to larger, community water systems, which are held to stricter federal and state regulations.

While private wells and rural water systems can also be sources of waterborne diseases, they typically do not have the same frequency or scale of incidents associated with non-community systems. This context highlights the specific risk factors associated with non-community water systems, reaffirming their higher association with waterborne diseases in the U.S.