Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
During pre-flight of Flight ABCD ZZZ-ZZZ1; Flight Attendant informed the Captain that the sink was empty of water and a note had been left in the lavatory informing of the issue. Noting that potable water is not available at the outstation; the Captain made the decision to depart as scheduled to meet on time arrival at ZZZ1. Upon arrival at ZZZ1; crew noted that ground operations did re-fill [the] potable water tank. Crew was unaware that the lavatory sink itself was inoperative.
Flight Attendant notified me of a note in the lavatory stating that there was no water in the lavatory sink. The Flight Attendant said she could not get any water to dispense from the sink. I made an assumption that the reservoir was empty; and that was the reason why it was not working. I made the decision to continue with the flight knowing that ZZZ did not have the capability to refill the reservoir. Thinking we could have it filled in ZZZ1. I was notified later in the day that the sink in that aircraft was inoperative and it had caused a delay on the aircraft's next flight. [I] was given a call and counseled about having potable water in the aircraft lavatories due to COVID-19. I regret the decision that I made as Captain. I just wanted to get the passengers to their final destination. I should have complied with Standard Operating Procedures.
Air carrier flight crew reported they departed with an inoperative lavatory sink.