California Real Estate Practice Exam

What should a health officer ensure concerning a community?

1. Correctly functioning sewer systems

2. Handling of property transactions

3. Maintenance of roads

4. Survey of property lines

The correct answer is: Correctly functioning sewer systems

Ensuring that sewer systems function correctly is a critical responsibility of a health officer because these systems are integral to public health and sanitation. Properly functioning sewer systems help prevent contamination of water sources, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, and maintain overall community hygiene. If sewer systems are inadequate or malfunctioning, they can lead to serious health hazards, including outbreaks of illnesses and environmental pollution. This focus on sanitation and public health highlights the primary role a health officer plays in safeguarding the community's well-being. In contrast, handling property transactions, maintaining roads, and surveying property lines typically fall under the jurisdiction of other government departments or agencies, such as planning or public works. While these areas are important for community development and infrastructure, they do not directly impact public health in the same immediate way that sewer system functionality does.