When approved, a water supply source can include all except?

A water supply source is essential for ensuring that any food operation can maintain food safety and hygiene standards. When evaluating approved water supply sources, it is critical to ensure that the sources are safe, clean, and capable of providing potable water.

The inclusion of options such as an approved public water main, water transport vehicles, and an on-premise water storage tank reflects reliable and regulated methods of water supply. An approved public water main signifies that the water has been treated and meets safety standards established by health authorities. Water transport vehicles are vetted to ensure they maintain water quality during transport, protecting against contamination. An on-premise water storage tank is acceptable because it can be part of a regulated system, provided it meets health and safety norms.

In contrast, containers of rainwater do not meet the criteria for an approved water supply source because the collection and storage of rainwater can lead to contamination risks from various environmental factors. Rainwater is generally unregulated and may harbor pollutants or pathogens, making it unsuitable for providing safe drinking water in food establishments without specific treatment measures, which further complicates its safety status. Therefore, this is why containers of rainwater are excluded from the list of approved water supply sources.