The authors surveyed water regulators and overseers in British Columbia to find out about small water systems. They found that the regulators' information was skimpy and incomplete. However, based on what is known about small water systems the authors compiled the survey results to create a profile of systems, particularly their water quality and treatment. They found reluctance to add chemicals, and also found unconventional treatment solutions in practice. Problems with small water systems are summarized. In British Columbia little water treatment is seen in small water systems. Based on the responses from the regulators, it appears that government regulation is lagging behind the expectations of the public and the waterworks community.