This is needed to view or print the PDF formatted publications on this Web site. The 1998 Annual Compliance Report covers Missouri's 2,714 public water systems. A maximum contaminant level is the highest level of a specified contaminant that will still be protective of public health. DNR Director Stephen Mahfood expressed his confidence in public drinking water systems in the state. A system is to be applauded for performing all required testing and meeting all maximum contaminant level standards.
Many water systems perform testing beyond that required by the state.
A public water system, by definition, provides water for human consumption through pipes, or similar means, to at least 15 service connections or serves an average of 25 people for at least 60 days each year. There are three basic types of public water systems. The first is a community system, where people live and consume the water on a daily basis. A community water system could serve the residents of a large city, a rural water district, or a small mobile home park or subdivision. The third is a transient, non-community system, such as a restaurant, resort, or campground that would not be a regular source of drinking water for most of its pass through consumers.