What is required of all public water systems regardless of the source of their water?

All public water systems are required to employ licensed operators to ensure that the water supply is managed properly and meets safety standards. Licensed operators possess the necessary knowledge and skills to oversee the treatment processes, conduct routine maintenance, and solve operational problems that may arise. This requirement helps maintain the quality of the water distributed to the public and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

The involvement of trained professionals minimizes risks associated with water quality issues, which can have serious health implications. Public water systems must consistently monitor their operations, and licensed operators are integral to this process as they are trained to identify and rectify potential issues effectively.

Options that suggest purchasing treated water, providing free water samples, or installing advanced filtering systems may be necessary in certain situations, but they are not universally required for all public water systems. The core requirement that applies universally across all systems is the employment of licensed operators, which underscores the importance of having qualified personnel managing water resources.