What defines a community water system?

A community water system is defined as one that serves water to the same population year-round. This type of system is designed to meet the needs of a stable population, ensuring consistent access to safe and potable water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily activities.

The characteristics of a community water system include its role in providing water to residential households, and ensuring that the water quality meets regulatory standards for public health. These systems typically have infrastructure in place to distribute water reliably to a defined area, which can consist of homes, businesses, and institutions, thus classifying them as community systems.

In contrast, a system that only provides water seasonally or serves transient visitors does not meet the consistent service requirement expected from a community water system. Similarly, systems that serve industrial purposes or those exclusively catering to transient populations do not constitute a community water system, as they do not maintain a stable, year-round user base.