What does potable water mean?

We say that we render water potable when it undergoes a process to make it suitable for drinking.

1 . Potable water

Potable water, or water suitable for human consumption, is water that can be used for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and other household chores. 

2 . What are the characteristics of potable or drinking water?

Drinking water must be clean, tasteless, odourless, colourless and free of any contaminants, although it may have dissolved substances that are beneficial for us.

3 . The importance of drinking water

Currently, 3 out of 10 people do not have access to drinking water, and 6 out of 10 people do not have access to safe sanitation facilities. Living without access to drinking water jeopardises health, education and economic productivity, and increases the risk of disease worldwide.