What is the primary reason for conducting a sanitary survey of a water system?

The primary reason for conducting a sanitary survey of a water system is to evaluate the safety and adequacy of the water supply. This process involves reviewing various aspects of the water system, including its source, treatment processes, distribution, and overall management practices, to ensure that it meets health and safety standards. The sanitary survey is a crucial public health tool designed to identify potential risks and prevent contamination that could impact consumer health.

By focusing on safety and adequacy, the survey assesses whether the water is free from pathogens, chemicals, and other contaminants that can pose health risks. It also ensures that the water supply is sufficient to meet the needs of the community it serves.

Other options, while they may be involved in certain assessments of a water system, do not encompass the broader purpose of a sanitary survey. Determining water hardness, assessing pump sizes, or measuring iron levels are specific analyses that can be part of water quality testing but do not address the comprehensive evaluation of safety and adequacy, which is the central focus of a sanitary survey.