Determining whether the water supply is public or private is a requirement for whom?

Determining whether the water supply is public or private is a critical aspect of a home inspection, which makes it particularly relevant for an inspector. Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating various systems within a home, including the water supply. Knowing whether the water supply is public or private helps inspectors assess potential health risks, legal implications, and necessary maintenance associated with different types of water supplies.

Public water supplies are typically managed by municipalities and are subject to stringent safety and quality standards, while private water supplies, such as wells, may require different considerations regarding testing and maintenance. This distinction is essential for providing homeowners with a comprehensive assessment of their property and any associated risks.

Homeowners may be interested in this information for their understanding, and plumbers or contractors may need to know it for their work; however, the explicit role of confirming the nature of the water supply falls squarely within the inspector's duties as part of their overall evaluation of the property's condition.