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Drinking water or potable water is water that is safe for ingestion, either when drunk directly in liquid form or consumed indirectly through food preparation. It is often (but not always) supplied through taps, in which case it is also called tap water .
Using reclaimed water for non-potable uses saves potable water for drinking, since less potable water will be used for non-potable uses. [47] It sometimes contains higher levels of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and oxygen which may help fertilize garden and agricultural plants when used for irrigation. [citation needed]
Portable water purification devices are self-contained, easily transported units used to purify water from untreated sources (such as rivers, lakes, and wells) for drinking purposes. Their main function is to eliminate pathogens , and often also suspended solids and some unpalatable or toxic compounds .
Water that is not fit for drinking but is not harmful to humans when used for swimming or bathing is called by various names other than potable or drinking water, and is sometimes called safe water, or "safe for bathing". Chlorine is a skin and mucous membrane irritant that is used to make water safe for bathing or drinking.
Raw water is generally unsafe for human consumption due to the presence of contaminants. A major health problem in some developing countries is use of raw water for drinking and cooking. [1] Without treatment, raw water can be used for irrigation, construction, or cleaning purposes. [2]
As non-potable municipal water returns to Asheville, parts of the reopening plan have changed. Oct. 28 remains the target start date, though Ray said the board is "reevaluating that every day."
Between 2016 and 2021 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) tested tap water from 716 locations across the United States, finding PFAS levels exceeding the EPA advisories in approximately 75% of samples from urban areas and in approximately 25% of rural areas. [80] In April 2024 EPA published final drinking water standards for six PFAS: PFOA; PFOS
As greywater contains fewer pathogens than blackwater, it is generally safer to handle and easier to treat and reuse onsite for toilet flushing, landscape or crop irrigation, and other non-potable uses. Greywater may still have some pathogen content from laundering soiled clothing or cleaning the anal area in the shower or bath.