Which of the following best defines a Public Water System?

A Public Water System is defined as a system that regularly serves at least 25 people daily for at least 60 days a year. This definition is critical because it emphasizes the continuous and consistent nature of service, which is essential for classifying a water system as a public entity. This threshold ensures that the system is substantial enough to fall under regulatory oversight, ensuring water quality and safety for the population it serves.

This definition aligns with federal and state regulations, which help to establish standards for water quality and the management of drinking water supplies. Public water systems must adhere to specific standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), focusing on the protection of public health.

Other options do not fulfill the criteria for defining a Public Water System. For instance, serving anyone at any time does not consider whether the system has a defined user base or frequency of service. Additionally, being operated solely by a private entity does not determine whether it functions as a public water system; instead, it focuses on the ownership model, which does not inherently ensure service to a broad population. Lastly, a system that only serves residential connections would limit its definition and applicability since a Public Water System can serve various types of connections,