Which of the following defines a public water system?

A public water system is defined by its capacity to serve a specific number of people or connections, which is fundamental to public health and safety regulations. The correct answer indicates that a public water system must have at least 15 service connections or serve a minimum of 25 individuals daily. This definition is critical because it sets the threshold for regulatory oversight, ensuring that systems providing water to a larger population adhere to safety standards, undergo regular monitoring, and are equipped to deliver potable water consistently.

By defining a public water system in this way, regulators can focus on systems that present a higher risk of water quality issues due to the larger number of people served or connections made. Smaller systems, which do not meet these criteria, may not be subject to the same level of regulatory scrutiny, but they still may be important for local water needs.

Other options present criteria that fall below this standard, which would not classify those systems as public water systems under public health regulations. Thus, the specifics emphasizing at least 15 service connections or serving a minimum of 25 individuals ensure that the definition aligns with the importance of monitoring and managing water quality for public safety and health.