What is the main characteristic of potable water?

The main characteristic of potable water is that it is safe for consumption. This means that it is free from harmful levels of contaminants, pathogens, and other substances that could pose a risk to human health. Potable water meets specific quality standards set by health authorities to ensure that it can be consumed without causing adverse health effects.

While potable water can contain minerals, which are often beneficial to health, the presence of minerals alone does not determine its potability. Additionally, potable water is not required to be sourced exclusively from underground; it can come from various sources, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as long as it undergoes treatment to meet safety standards. Lastly, while filtration is a common method used to purify water, not all potable water is necessarily filtered, as there are other treatment processes, such as chemical disinfection, that can also ensure water safety. Therefore, the key distinction of potable water lies in its safety for human consumption.