Classification of Public Water Systems

Public drinking water systems may be publicly or privately owned.  They are classified according to the the number of individuals served or the number of service connections. 

In general, a public water system serves at least 25 people or has 15 service connections for at least 60 days per year.  Public water systems are further classified into community water systems or noncommunity water systems.   

This page provides definitions for the classification and references Kentucky's public water supply regulations, 401 KAR 8:010.

“Public water system” means a water system that provides to the public water for human consumption.  A public water system has at least fifteen (15) service connections or regularly serves an average of at least twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days of the year.

 A “community water system” (CWS) is a public water system that has at least fifteen (15) service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least twenty-five (25) year-round residents.  Examples of a CWS are subdivisions, mobile home parks or municipalities.

 A “noncommunity water system” (NCWS) is a public water system that has at least fifteen (15) service connections used by persons for a period of less than year-round or which serves an average of at least twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days of the year but less than year-round.  NCWS are further classified as “transient” or “nontransient.”

  A “transient, noncommunity water system” (TNCWS) does not serve at least twenty-five (25) of the same persons over six (6) months of the year.
 
  A “nontransient, noncommunity water system” (NTNCWS) serves at least twenty-five (25) of the same people over six (6) months of the year.

“Semipublic water system” means a water system made available for drinking or domestic use which serves more than three (3) families but does not qualify as a public water system.  Examples of a semipublic water system are beauty salons, health clubs, some food service providers or some churches. 

For drinking water requirements to operate a semipublic water system, refer to the general provisions of Chapter 8, 401 KAR 8:020.

Food service providers, not including groceries or restaurants, which incorporate water in the making of food products that are to be sold to the general public are generally classified as a semipublic water system. 

Churches which meet one day a week throughout the year are classified as a semipublic water system.  Churches that meet at least two days a week throughout the year are classified as a transient, noncommunity water system.

“Private water supply” means a residential water supply located on private property for the use of residents.  These are typically private wells or cisterns.  A private water supply does not quality as a public or semipublic water system.  Private water supplies used for drinking water are not regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA or the state of Kentucky.  It is the homeowners responsibility to test the quality of the water to ensure the safety against bacteria, nitrates, pesticides and other contaminants.