Potable

Potable water, also known as drinking water, is water that is safe to drink or to use for food preparation, without risk of health problems. Generally, in developed countries, tap water meets drinking water quality standards, even though only a small proportion is actually consumed or used in food preparation. Other typical uses include washing, toilets, and irrigation. Greywater may be used for toilets or irrigation. Its use for irrigation however may be associated with risks.

Safety and reliability

Water safety involves the processes of ensuring that the risk of harm to health associated with water is reduced to an acceptable level. Water quality standards and regulations establish the health risk levels based on scientifically established safe levels of different contaminants. Water treatment processes are designed to remove or reduce these contaminants to safe levels.

Water sources

Water sources can be classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary sources include rainwater, surface water, groundwater and bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and oceans. Secondary sources include water that has been reclaimed from some other use, such as greywater, or water that has been treated to remove impurities. Tertiary sources are those that have been treated and purified to the point where they can be used for drinking.

Water treatment

Water treatment is the process of improving the quality of water. A water treatment process is designed to remove or reduce existing water contaminants to the point where water is fit for use. Specific processes can include filtration, sedimentation, distillation, disinfection and coagulation.

Water distribution

Water distribution systems are designed to transport water from the treatment plant to the consumer. They can include pumping stations, water towers, reservoirs, service lines, meters, and fire hydrants.

See also

• Water purification
• Waterborne diseases
• Water supply network
• Water quality
• Water resources

Potable Resources
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