Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 2 Exam Practice

A buyer is contemplating purchasing a waterfront cottage with a recently tested water well. The seller reports an acceptable fecal count. What should the buyer consider?

1. Seller's statement that the water is safe and would not need further tests before buying.

2. The water was unsafe for drinking at the time of the test and is probably still unsafe, given the presence of fecal coliform.

3. The fecal count of 30 indicates that, while the water is safe for drinking, some minimal contamination has affected the chemical quality of the water.

4. The buyer should rely on the seller's representation but instead try chlorination, after closing the sale, as this treatment would permanently remove any contamination.

The correct answer is: The water was unsafe for drinking at the time of the test and is probably still unsafe, given the presence of fecal coliform.

The buyer should consider that the water was unsafe for drinking at the time of the test and is likely still unsafe, given the presence of fecal coliform. Fecal coliform is an indicator of contamination from human or animal waste, which can pose serious health risks if consumed. Therefore, it is important for the buyer to prioritize their health and safety by not relying on the seller's statement and conducting further tests or remediation measures before deciding on purchasing the property. Option A is incorrect because it would be unwise for the buyer to solely trust the seller's statement without verifying the safety of the water themselves. Option C is incorrect as a fecal count of 30 would not indicate minimal contamination affecting only the chemical quality of the water; fecal coliform is a microbial indicator, not a chemical contaminant. Option D is incorrect because relying on post-closure remedies like chlorination is not a reliable or recommended approach when dealing with potentially contaminated water sources, especially one with fecal coliform present.