How often must a very small water system conduct a water quality analysis?

A very small water system is required to conduct a water quality analysis at least once annually to ensure that the water supplied meets safety and quality standards. This annual testing is crucial because it helps to detect potential contaminants and assess the overall water quality, ensuring that the system adheres to regulatory requirements and provides safe drinking water to its users. The annual frequency allows for regular monitoring without placing excessive burdens on the system, which could be critical for small operations that might not have the resources for more frequent testing.

While other testing frequencies might seem accommodating for different types of water systems, they do not align with the minimum requirements for very small water systems, which are designed to safeguard public health effectively and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.