Which system serves fewer than 25 people?

The non-community water system is designed to provide water to fewer than 25 people on average day-to-day, typically serving transient populations such as those at campgrounds, parks, or some types of recreational facilities. Unlike community systems, which are intended for year-round residents and therefore serve a larger, more stable population, non-community systems are not subject to the same regulatory frameworks regarding full-time residents. This distinction is critical in public health and environmental health contexts, as different regulations and monitoring requirements apply based on the size and type of system.

Transient systems, while they may serve fewer than 25 people temporarily, are not generally categorized based on a consistent daily serving population. Public and community systems, conversely, are defined by their ongoing service to a larger population, usually exceeding 25 individuals consistently. Therefore, identifying non-community systems as those serving fewer than 25 people helps clarify their role in managing water quality and safety in environments that do not require extensive regulation like that of community systems.