What does potable water mean?

Potable water refers to water that is safe for human consumption. This definition encompasses water that has been treated and meets health standards, making it suitable for drinking, cooking, and other forms of personal use. The significance of potable water lies in its essential role in public health, as it must be free from harmful microorganisms and contaminants that could pose health risks. This distinction is critical when discussing water supplies, as access to safe drinking water is a fundamental requirement for maintaining health and preventing waterborne diseases.

The other options present different types of water but do not describe what makes water potable. For instance, water for industrial use may be treated for specific manufacturing processes and may not necessarily meet health standards for human consumption. Water containing harmful organisms is explicitly unsafe to drink, thus not potable. Lastly, water that requires filtration may not be potable until it has undergone appropriate treatment processes, which underscores the importance of ensuring water quality before it is deemed safe for use.