What is the minimum population requirement for a water system to be classified as a public water system?

A public water system is defined by the number of individuals it serves. Specifically, a water system must serve at least 25 individuals or have 15 service connections to be classified as a public water system. This threshold ensures that systems serving a small number of people, like those in private residences or individual homes, are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as larger systems that have a greater impact on public health.

Choosing 25 persons aligns with the regulatory framework established by authorities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which defines and classifies public water systems. By serving at least 25 people, a water system is subject to specific safety standards, monitoring, and reporting requirements designed to protect public health and ensure the quality of drinking water.

Other population thresholds presented do not classify a water system as a public water system. For instance, 10 persons might serve small private connections, while options such as 50 or 100 may refer to different classifications or larger water systems, but they exceed the minimum requirement defined for public systems. Thus, the correct number for classification purposes remains 25 persons.