From the Latin word aqua, water is a substance made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It is an essential element for life and the component present with the largest extension on the surface of our planet. It potable, meanwhile, is something that can be drunk without risk to health.
The word potable we have to say that it is a word that has its etymological origin in Latin, it derives from “potabilis” which, in turn, comes from the verb “potare” which can be translated as “drink”.
The water is the water suitable for consumption by the human being. It is an odorless, tasteless and colorless liquid that can be drunk without limitations as it does not harm the body.
There are international regulations to analyze water and determine if it is drinkable or not according to the minimum and maximum permitted amounts of minerals, particles, etc. At a general level, it is usually established that the pH of the water intended for human consumption should be between 6.5 and 9.5.
The high presence of nitrites, arsenic and phosphate, for example, can make the water stop being drinkable. Similarly, if water harbors viruses, bacteria, radioactive components, suspended sediments, organic elements, or toxic products, it cannot be drunk either.
The water treatment is the process that converts water into potable water. It is possible to process the water of a river, lake or stream and, through various techniques (such as the application of ultraviolet rays or the addition of chlorine to remove polluting substances), make it become potable water.
Specifically, the task of water purification is supported by various treatments such as:
-Prechlorination and flocculation. This process consists of adding chlorine to eliminate microorganisms that may exist in the water as well as other chemical products. In the same way, the so-called flocs will be achieved.
-The decantation.
-The filtration, which consists of passing the water through certain filters in order to finish off all the sand and other particles that it may have. The result will be to stop it from looking cloudy.
-Chlorination and sending to the network.
Taking into account the importance of drinking water, in favor of human well-being and health, health authorities often present guidelines to help ensure that those responsible for managing it can ensure that it is in the best conditions and can be drink safely. These documents are important at the international level, which include microbiological, chemical or radiological parameters that you must have, such as the safety plans that must be respected, the goals that must be achieved, and the microbiological information sheets that must be used for the best possible control.
Access to drinking water is essential for life. When a person drinks, or cooks with, water that is not drinkable, they run the risk of contracting all kinds of diseases.
