What is the minimum treatment plant capacity in gpm per connection for surface water suppliers under normal design flow?

The minimum treatment plant capacity for surface water suppliers is established to ensure that there is adequate water supply for consumers while maintaining a safe and reliable distribution system. The correct answer of 0.6 gpm per connection is based on industry standards and regulatory requirements, which are designed to guarantee that each connection has sufficient water flow for domestic use and emergency situations.

This figure provides a balance between ensuring that water is available for everyday use, including drinking, cooking, and sanitation, while also accounting for peak usage times. Ensuring a minimum capacity per connection helps avoid issues such as low water pressure and potential contamination from stagnation. It takes into account the average household demands and helps water suppliers plan and allocate resources effectively.

On the other hand, the values represented by the other options are either too low or provide insufficient capacity to meet typical residential water needs, which could lead to inadequate service. Therefore, the choice of 0.6 gpm aligns with regulatory standards promoting public health and effective municipal water management.