What is a minimum requirement for a public water system regarding service connections?

A public water system must have a minimum of 15 service connections, which is a standard requirement outlined in regulations governing water systems. This requirement ensures that the system can be classified as a public water system, thus subjecting it to certain health and safety standards that protect public health.

The rationale behind this number lies in the need for a water system to have enough users to justify its operations, maintenance, and infrastructure. A system with fewer connections might struggle to generate the necessary revenue or maintain compliance with water quality standards effectively. Therefore, by establishing a minimum of 15 connections, it promotes the sustainability of the water system while ensuring that a sufficient number of users are served, thereby reducing risks associated with low water demand and resource management.