Which type of water system is defined as CWS?

The correct answer is Community Water Systems (CWS). A Community Water System is defined as a type of public water system that serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. This definition is critical for understanding how water systems are classified and regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Community Water Systems are designed to provide potable water to residents within a specific area, and they must meet specific regulatory requirements to ensure water quality and safety. These systems play a vital role in public health, as they deliver water that meets established safety standards for consumption.

The other options do not accurately represent the definition of CWS. Commercial Water Services, for instance, refers more broadly to water services provided for commercial entities and does not encompass the same regulatory framework or community-oriented service aspect as a Community Water System. Combined Water Supply might suggest a blending of water sources but lacks the specific community focus required to be classified as CWS. Centralized Water Systems usually refer to systems that supply water from one main source to several users, but it is not a term specifically equivalent to Community Water Systems as defined by the relevant regulatory authorities.