How often should a Community Water System have a sanitary survey performed?

• A. Every 6 years
• B. Every 5 years
• C. Every 2 years
• D. Every 3 years

Answer: (D)

Sanitary surveys are periodic evaluations of a public water system to identify potential contamination sources and ensure safe operation. For community water systems, the standard cadence is every three years, conducted by the state drinking water program. This regular review covers source water, treatment, storage, distribution, and management practices, helping detect issues before they affect public health. The other cadences don’t fit: five years is typical for non-community systems, two years is more frequent than required for communities, and six years would exceed the mandated interval. If significant changes occur, surveys can be done sooner, but the baseline requirement is every three years.