Potable water refers to water that is safe for human consumption. When consumed, it won’t get you sick because it doesn’t contain any dangerous contaminants or germs. Potable water is a must to keep oneself healthy and to support life.
Water usually undergoes several treatments to ensure its drinkability. This includes filtration, disinfection, and sometimes further purification processes like distillation or reverse osmosis. These processes purify water by removing or neutralizing contaminants like chemicals, viruses, parasites, and bacteria that you can find in untreated water sources.
People have an inherent and universal need for, as well as a right to, safe drinking water. Because it aids in preventing waterborne diseases and guarantees the efficient running of communities and economies, an adequate supply of drinkable water is essential for sanitation, public health, and general well-being.
A lack of resources, insufficient infrastructure, and pollution are just a few of the reasons why many regions of the world still struggle to get their hands on potable water, even though water treatment technology has come a long way. Aside from technological solutions, political, economic, and social factors need consideration. This will help guarantee that water resources are distributed fairly and managed sustainably if we increase access to potable water.
Here are the characteristics of potable water:
Accessibility
Communities should have consistent and equal access to potable water for hygiene, cooking, drinking, and sanitation.
Lack of odor
Either it shouldn’t smell at all, or it should smell neutral. There may be organic matter or contaminants present if the air smells foul.
Stability
Potable water quality shouldn’t decrease while it’s in transit or storage.
Absence of taste: Potable water ought to be tasteless. Organic compounds, chemicals, or dissolved minerals can cause nasty tastes.
Microbiological Purity
Parasites, viruses, and bacteria are not acceptable microbes in potable water. For safety’s sake, it needs to be compliant with microbiological standards.
Low Levels of TDS
In a given volume of water, the term “total dissolved solids” describes the concentration of all dissolved substances, including organic matter, inorganic salts, and others. While small amounts of dissolved solids are usually harmless, detectable levels can signal contamination or an overabundance of minerals in the water.
Chemical Composition
Acidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, hardness, alkalinity, and concentrations of heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, lead), fluoride, chlorine, and nitrates are some of the chemical parameters it should meet.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
To be considered safe for human consumption, potable water must adhere to regulations set out by environmental or health authorities on a regional, national, or even international level.
Clarity
Clear water, devoid of turbidity or other observable contaminants, is potable. If the water has discoloration or is cloudy, it could mean impurities are present.
Absence of Poisonous Substances
There shouldn’t be any radioactive materials, industrial chemicals, or other contaminants that could harm people’s health.
The benefits of drinking potable water
Potable water, also known as clean and safe drinking water, is crucial to one’s health and has many positive effects on one’s body. Among the many advantages, some stand out:
- Body Temperature Regulation
Water helps control core body temperature by evaporating and sweating, particularly in hot weather or while exercising.
Everyone should have access to clean, safe drinking water. This is because, in the grand scheme of things, drinking enough water is critical to good health.
- Improved physical performance
A healthy fluid balance is critical for the appropriate functioning of muscles. Additionally, it sustains energy levels during physical activity. Staying well-hydrated can improve performance in both areas.
- Kidney Function
Proper kidney function and avoiding kidney stones are two reasons why staying well hydrated is critical to kidney health.
- Brain Function
Proper hydration is essential for the proper functioning of the brain. Impairments in cognitive function, focus, and mood can occur with even minor dehydration.
- Detoxification
The elimination of waste and toxins from the body through urine and sweat is an important part of the body’s natural detoxification processes, which rely on water.
- Joint Health
Water’s lubricating and cushioning effects on joints can alleviate joint pain and increase range of motion.
- Skin Health
To avoid skin wrinkles, dryness, and other problems, drink enough water to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
- Weight Management
To aid with weight loss, drinking water before meals can make you feel full with fewer calories.
- Digestive Health
In addition to facilitating bowel movements and nutrient absorption, water aids in digestion. Stay hydrated to prevent constipation and improve regularity.
- Hydration
To be properly hydrated, it is essential to drink plenty of water to replace the fluids lost through urine and sweating. Essential biological processes, including temperature regulation and organ support, depend on adequate hydration.
Storing potable water at home
It is wise to have a supply of potable water on hand in case of an emergency, especially if you live in an area vulnerable to natural catastrophes or with questionable water quality. In order to keep potable water safe at home, follow these steps:
Arrange Sufficient Storage
Before a disaster strikes, figure out how much water your family needs for everyday activities like washing, cooking, and drinking. It is best to store extra water if space and resources permit. However, the standard suggestion is to have at least a gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days.
Clean Containers
Make sure to wash the containers completely with soap and water. Before using them again, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to get rid of any residue. Wash the containers with one teaspoon of unscented household bleach for every gallon of water to sanitize them. Then, let them dry naturally.
Monitor for Impurity
Be sure to check stored water for pollutants on a regular basis. Look for things like floating particles, strange odors, or discoloration. Discard the water and give the containers a good scrub.
Fill Containers with Tap Water
Get water from a safe and clean faucet and fill up the containers. Use bottled water from a store if you are concerned about the quality of tap water.
Label and Date Containers
Put the fill and use dates on the containers. In order to keep your water supply fresh, you can rotate it often using this method.
Rotate the Water Frequently
If you want your water to be fresh and high-quality, change it every 6 months. Use and replace the water you’ve kept.
Ensuring Good Container Sealing
Make sure to fasten the lids securely before storing anything. It is best to use screw-on lids or caps that have rubber gaskets.
Consider Purification Methods
Using a water filter, adding water purification tablets, or boiling are all viable options for water purification. This is if you plan to save water for a long time or constantly worry about the quality of your faucet.
Select the appropriate containers
Choose containers that are safe to store water in. Manufacturers typically suggest containers made from polyethylene terephthalate or high-density polyethylene. Stay away from containers that contain things that aren’t edible.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Keep the containers in a dark, cool spot out of the sun. Over time, the water’s quality can decline due to the proliferation of algae brought about by excessive heat and sunlight.
If you follow these instructions, you should be able to store potable water at home and have a steady supply in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Monitoring regulatory, chemical, physical, and microbiological factors is crucial to ensure the safety of potable water. We must consistently monitor the quality and safety of drinking water through adherence to standards, treatment, and regular testing to preserve the public’s health.