本文讨论了1996年《安全饮用水法案》（SDWA）修正案概述的公共水系统（PWS）的定义。在1996年修正案通过之前，SDWA将PWS定义为“向公众提供供人类使用的管道水的系统，前提是该系统至少有15个供水连接或定期为至少25个人供水。”修正案修订了PWS在以下几个领域的定义。包括5个参考文献。

This article discusses the definition of a public water system (PWS) as outlined by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) amendments of 1996. Before passage of the 1996 amendments, the SDWA defined a PWS as "a system for the provision to the public of piped water for human consumption if such system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves at least 25 individuals." The amendments revised the definition of a PWS in several areas, discussed here. Includes 5 references.