A community water system is characterized by serving which type of population?

The correct answer is based on the definition of a community water system, which is designed to provide water to a specific population that resides consistently within a designated area. This system is typically managed to ensure an adequate supply of safe drinking water for homes, schools, businesses, and other facilities catering to the needs of those living in the community.

This distinction is important because community water systems are subject to regulations that mandate regular monitoring and treatment of water to meet public health standards, thereby ensuring the ongoing safety of the water supply for the population that it serves. Understanding that this system caters to a consistent population helps in grasping the operational and regulatory framework surrounding water quality and public health.

In contrast, the other choices reflect populations that do not align with the intended service model of a community water system. A random visiting population or transient workers would not benefit from the same stability and reliability of water provision, as these groups are not residents who require a continual water supply. An isolated rural area may have its own water supply challenges but does not inherently indicate a community water system unless it serves a permanent population in that area.