Which of the following best describes a water cooperative?

A water cooperative is best described as an arrangement to share resource costs. This model typically involves a group of individuals or entities that come together to collaboratively manage and distribute water resources. Members of a cooperative contribute to both the initial investment and ongoing operational costs, allowing for shared access to water supplies, infrastructure, and maintenance services. This collective approach not only helps reduce costs but also promotes community engagement and cooperative decision-making.

In contrast, alternatives like a government-run water supply service refer to publicly managed systems that operate under government authority, which may not involve community ownership or shared costs. A commercial water delivery service operates as a profit-driven entity, focusing on selling water to consumers rather than fostering collaborative resource sharing. A private entity providing exclusive well rights typically implies limited access for non-members, which deviates from the cooperative model centered on collective benefit. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a water cooperative is its focus on cost-sharing and community involvement in managing water resources.