Observation can identify color, odor, scale or sediment, but it cannot confirm microorganisms, nitrate, toxic chemicals or potable safety. Sediment and turbidity can interfere with fine treatment or disinfection; oxidation can change filter loading; softening creates regeneration waste; RO creates reject water; carbon and UV need defined upstream conditions.
Peak flow determines whether treatment can serve the property without excessive pressure loss, while daily volume determines capacity, regeneration, reject and storage. Include each device’s pressure drop in pump duty and distinguish potable from non-potable requirements.