Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

Buyer Taylor is considering purchasing a cottage with a water well. The seller claims a test showed fecal counts below acceptable levels. What should Taylor do?

1. Assume the water is safe based on the seller's assurance.

2. Understand that the water was unsafe at the time of the test and likely still is, due to fecal coliform.

3. Take no additional action required, as a count of 30 is below the threshold and safe.

4. Not rely on the test results and avoid buying the property.

5. Accept the results without further testing since initial tests were below the acceptable threshold.

6. Trust the seller's report but manage the property more carefully.

The correct answer is: Understand that the water was unsafe at the time of the test and likely still is, due to fecal coliform.

Buyer Taylor should understand that just because the seller's test showed fecal counts below acceptable levels, this does not guarantee the water is currently safe to drink. Fecal coliform bacteria can indicate the potential presence of harmful pathogens, and their counts can fluctuate over time based on a variety of factors, including rainfall, nearby animal activity, or changes in well maintenance. Relying solely on the test results may lead to a false sense of security, as past results do not account for current or future conditions. It's prudent for Taylor to recognize that the water may not remain safe without ongoing testing or assessment. Therefore, pushing for additional testing or inspection of the water well is a vital step to ensure health and safety before deciding to purchase the property. Doing so demonstrates due diligence and can help avoid potential health risks linked to contaminated water.