Which type of water system is not required to sample for volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

Transient Non-community Water Systems are not required to sample for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) primarily due to their operational characteristics. These systems serve water to transient populations, such as those found in campgrounds, rest areas, or parks, where users typically do not remain long enough to constitute a regular customer base and thus have limited potential exposure to contaminants like VOCs over time.

The regulations for water quality monitoring primarily focus on systems that provide water to longer-term users, as these systems are more likely to have consistent sources of contamination that could impact human health. Community and Non-transient Non-community Water Systems have a continuous customer base and are more subject to regulations regarding VOC sampling because they provide water to the same people over an extended duration, increasing the potential risk of exposure.

While all public water systems generally have some level of testing requirement, the transient nature of the services offered by Transient Non-community Water Systems minimizes the need for frequent VOC assessments, reflecting the lower risk associated with temporary water usage.