In this study, small water systems (SWSs) serve a population of less than 5,000. This paper includes responses to a qualitative questionnaire from 66 SWSs (33% out of 200 SWSs) that identify the major problems within these systems across British Columbia (BC). Focusing on four interrelated components of SWSs (water quality issues, treatment and disinfection, water quality monitoring and water governance challenges), the identified major problems include: insufficient water monitoring programs; inadequate treatment prior to disinfection; insufficient funds to build water infrastructure; high turbidity; iron and manganese in source water; microbial contamination, especially in distribution networks; and high disinfection by-product formation. Based on the findings, the authors recommend implementing efficient water policies suitable for SWSs and strengthening funding support from governments. Developing long-term plans for effective management of water resources, while building strong communication among relevant stakeholders (ie municipal managers, operators and consumers), can also play a significant role in ensuring safe drinking water supplies. The findings can help BC policymakers understand the major problems of SWSs and their root causes.

在这项研究中，小型供水系统（SWS）的服务人口少于5,000。本文包括对66个SWS（200个SWS中的33％）的定性问卷的回答，这些问卷确定了不列颠哥伦比亚省（BC）这些系统中的主要问题。重点关注水安全系统的四个相互关联的组成部分（水质问题，处理和消毒，水质监测和水治理挑战），确定的主要问题包括：水监测计划不足；消毒前处理不足；没有足够的资金来建设水基础设施；高浊度 源水中的铁和锰；微生物污染，尤其是在分销网络中；并形成大量的消毒副产物。根据调查结果，作者建议实施适用于SWS的有效水政策，并加强政府的资金支持。制定有效管理水资源的长期计划，同时在相关利益相关者（即市政管理者，经营者和消费者）之间建立强有力的沟通，同时也可以在确保安全饮用水供应方面发挥重要作用。这些发现可以帮助卑诗省决策者了解自来水公司的主要问题及其根本原因。