Where will compliance sampling typically occur in the water system?

Compliance sampling is crucial in ensuring that the drinking water provided to consumers meets health and safety standards set by regulatory agencies. Sampling typically occurs at the point of entry or point of use. This is because these locations are where the water is either entering the distribution system or being dispensed directly to consumers.

At the point of entry, sampling helps to verify that the water quality meets the required standards before it enters the distribution system. At the point of use, which includes taps in homes or businesses, sampling helps to confirm that the water remains safe for consumption after it has traveled through the distribution network and potentially come into contact with various materials and environments.

In contrast, while treatment plants and water storage facilities are elements of the water system where testing can occur, they are not typically the focus for compliance sampling concerning direct consumer safety. Residential basements are not standard locations for compliance sampling since they may not provide representative samples of the water entering the distribution system or the ultimate water consumed. Therefore, the point of entry and point of use are critical for ensuring water quality is maintained right up to the consumers' taps.