What defines a “public water system” according to Arizona law?

A "public water system" as defined by Arizona law refers specifically to a system that delivers water for human consumption. This definition encompasses any system designed to provide potable water to the public, ensuring that the water meets health and safety standards suitable for drinking and other direct human uses. Public water systems are essential for meeting the community's basic needs and often involve extensive infrastructure, regulations, and monitoring to maintain water quality.

Focusing on the other options, a system that provides water solely for irrigation does not meet the criteria for a public water system because its purpose is not for human consumption. Similarly, a temporary water service for construction sites is not considered a public water system as it is not intended for long-term public health safety, and a private water supply for affluent neighborhoods doesn’t qualify since it does not serve the broader public, but rather a specific group of individuals. These distinctions are important to understand the critical regulatory framework surrounding water supply systems in Arizona.