Define “point of use” water treatment systems.

"Point of use" water treatment systems refer to technologies designed to treat water precisely at the location where it will be consumed. This approach allows for the filtration or purification of drinking water immediately before it is used, ensuring that the water is free from contaminants and safe for consumption. Such systems can take various forms, including filters, purifiers, or distillation units, and they are particularly valuable in areas where the water supply may be compromised or where users want to enhance the quality of their drinking water.

This definition emphasizes the focus on treating water at the final consumption point, which is distinct from broader water treatment methods that deal with larger volumes or entire municipal systems. For instance, systems that purify the entire municipal supply are designed to treat large quantities of water before it even reaches consumers and are not classified as point of use because their treatment occurs upstream in the water supply chain. Additionally, systems located at water treatment plants serve the purpose of treating water before distribution, which also distinguishes them from point of use systems. Lastly, while some point of use systems may be utilized during emergencies, they are not limited to such situations, making that option less comprehensive in definition.