Must the inspector determine the potability of the water supply?

The determination of water potability is not a standard requirement for a property inspector during a typical inspection. Inspectors are generally tasked with evaluating the condition of various systems within the home, including plumbing, but testing water quality goes beyond the standard scope of a general home inspection.

In many cases, potability assessments require specific testing methods and expertise typically associated with water quality professionals or health departments. The general guideline is that inspectors should report the water supply's presence and condition but are not responsible for assessing its safety for consumption.

While visible contaminants might raise concerns, they do not change the inspector's obligation to perform potability tests. The testing for public water supplies usually falls under regulations governed by local health authorities, not individual inspectors. Therefore, indicating that the inspector must determine the potability of water would exceed the customary responsibilities defined in most inspections.