What defines a Public Water System?

A Public Water System is defined by specific criteria related to the number of service connections and the population served. The correct answer indicates that a Public Water System must have at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 people for at least 60 days each year. This definition aligns with regulations that aim to ensure water quality and safety for communities that rely on public water supplies, making it essential for systems to meet this threshold for consistent service and monitoring.

The focus on connections and the duration of service emphasizes the need for reliability and regular usage to warrant classification as a Public Water System. Systems with fewer connections or serving a smaller population for a shorter period do not meet the necessary criteria for public water management and oversight. Therefore, the correct option directly addresses the established guidelines that differentiate regulated public water supplies from private or transient systems.