TOPIC: Ground rod not visible

Steve, my outlet tester showed all outlets tested were OK for basically everything that outlet testers show. What's your point on that?
The ground rod situation was verified- claimed by builder that there is one there, then, that there should be one there, then we'll add another one, as seen in pics.
The ground wire connect for ground rod, that is discovered not connected is also seen in pics. So, of course in that pic, shows there is an issue, along w/ all other signs, as seen in pics and reported. I do appreciate your input.
As far as your (almost) exclusively Ufers- we are in very different parts of the US of A.

Tell me if any of you guys have heard of this. 

I was told by an electrician (a very competent one, his work was immaculate) that the major county in my area (Peoria) "allows the neutral to be considered the ground when the main water supply is a non-metallic pipe." I looked at him in disbelief. That doesn't even make sense to me and I see this often on newer houses around here.  I also see the main grounding conductors being run to the main water supply with jumpers at the meter but one foot back down the water line is the plastic main. They have no grounding rod installed so in my book the system isn't grounded.

First, what's the point of the grounding conductor being sent to the water line when it isn't a grounding source?  And second, what county code enforcer thinks a neutral can also be the ground? I call it out every time.  Is there some NEC exception I haven't heard about?  Anyone?

Per NEC the grounding electrode system must have a minimum of two connection points. Examples would be a UFER ground, A driven ground rod minimum5/8 by 8' driven in minimum of 8' into the ground, the top cannot be above grade, 10' of copper water line with the grounding conductor attached within 6' of the service entrance ,or any approved made grounds.

If you have a non metallic water system on a new home, more then likely you will have a ufer supplemented by a driven ground.

As a side note, I gave my plumber friend a set of car jumper cables to bridge across plumbing repairs in crawl spaces as the requirement for the ground attachment within 6'of the water service entrance is relatively new. They used to make this connection at the cold water line on the water heater. Looks to me like a great way for a plumber to accidentaly become the service ground.

Very good post Richard, but the 8' ground rod can be smaller than 5/8" can't it? correct me if I am wrong.

Excellent source of info about ground rods direct from the manufacturer...

www.galvanelectrical.com/SafeGroundingTrainingVideos.asp