If an adequate, well-sourced water supply is unavailable at a reasonable cost, what should be the next step for the site?

The appropriate action when an adequate, well-sourced water supply is unavailable at a reasonable cost is to consider abandonment of the site. This decision stems from the fundamental necessity of a reliable water supply for any functioning establishment, particularly in terms of meeting health and safety standards. Without an adequate water source, operations may be unsustainable, and it can expose users to health risks associated with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.

Abandoning the site can be a viable alternative to the more costly or logistically challenging options of connecting to a city water supply or attempting temporary solutions, which may not resolve the fundamental issue of water scarcity. In situations where funding or resources for a city connection are prohibitively high or the infrastructure unavailable, it is prudent to evaluate if continuing to hold the site is practical or viable without a dependable water source. Thus, if reliable water cannot be established, abandonment becomes a necessary consideration to protect health and safety.