potablewater

Potable water, or drinking water, is water that meets established health-based standards and is suitable for human consumption and domestic use. It is typically sourced from surface water or groundwater and may be augmented by desalination or wastewater reuse where supplies are limited. Before it reaches consumers, water undergoes treatment to remove pathogens and reduce contaminants. Common treatment steps include coagulation and flocculation to remove suspended solids, sedimentation or clarification, filtration to remove remaining particles, and disinfection (such as chlorine, chloramine, ozone, or ultraviolet light) to kill or inactivate pathogens. Some systems also adjust pH and add corrosion inhibitors to protect distribution materials and reduce corrosion byproducts.

Quality is ensured by ongoing monitoring and testing according to regulatory standards. Health-based limits are set for microbial indicators (for example, monitoring for coliforms and Escherichia coli) and chemical contaminants (such as lead, arsenic, nitrate, and pesticides), as well as aesthetic parameters like taste, odor, and turbidity. Standards vary by country, but many rely on guidance from the World Health Organization and require regular reporting and public notification when water quality is outside specifications.

Distribution networks transport treated water to homes and businesses under pressure, maintaining residual disinfectant levels to prevent microbial growth. Public water systems are generally regulated and funded by local or national authorities, and individuals may also use point-of-use filtration or treatment in certain circumstances.