UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                                                                                 WSG12
                                                                  Date Signed: July 12, 1978
MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT:    Definition of a Public Water System

FROM:       Alan Levin, Director (signed by Alan Levin)
              State Programs Division (WH-550)

TO:           Regional Water Supply Representatives, I-X
       We requested General Counsel to provide a legal opinion and clarification of the definition of a
public water system regarding the requirement to provide water for human consumption. The General
Counsel's opinion is attached.

       The essence of the opinion is a water supplier cannot exclude itself from coverage under the
Act by designating itself as a non-supplier of water for human consumption or by obtaining consent
from the consumer that they (the supplier) can provide them with water not meeting the requirements of
the regulations.
Attachment

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