A public water system must always provide which of the following?

A public water system is fundamentally responsible for ensuring that it delivers safe, reliable, and sufficient water to its users. The key elements of providing an adequate quantity of water, sufficient pressure, and proper disinfection are critical to meet health and safety standards.

Adequate quantity of water is essential for meeting the demand of consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Insufficient supply can lead to public health issues and disrupt daily activities.

Maintaining sufficient pressure in the water distribution system is vital for ensuring that water can be delivered efficiently to consumers at various locations, particularly in multi-story buildings where gravity alone cannot provide adequate water flow.

Disinfection is a crucial step in treating drinking water to eliminate harmful pathogens that can pose health risks to the public. The presence of disinfectants such as chlorine helps to ensure that the water remains safe as it moves through the distribution system.

In contrast, high mineral content is not a requirement; in fact, excessive minerals may cause issues such as scaling and taste problems. Free water testing, while beneficial, is not mandatory for all public systems, and regular usage reports, although helpful for water management, do not directly address the fundamental obligations of water delivery that focus on safety and reliability.