What is one characteristic of a public water system?

A public water system is typically required to have certain characteristics to ensure the safety and reliability of water provided to the community. The presence of fenced areas for security is significant because it helps protect the water supply from contamination, vandalism, or unauthorized access. This is critical for maintaining the integrity of the water source and ensuring that the water remains safe for public consumption.

Security measures, such as fencing, illustrate a proactive approach to safeguarding public health by preventing potential threats that could compromise water quality. Overall, this characteristic aligns with the regulatory expectations for public water systems to provide safe drinking water to the population they serve.

In contrast, infrequent testing for contaminants undermines safety standards and would not be considered a characteristic of a public water system. Accessibility only to large industries does not reflect the intended public use of these systems, as public water systems are meant to serve communities. Lastly, dependence solely on groundwater does not encompass the variety of sources that public water systems may utilize, including surface water.