No, Martian water, in its natural state, is not drinkable.
While Mars possesses subsurface ice that could potentially sustain future human missions, this water source is contaminated with toxic perchlorates according to research published on January 4, 2024.
The Problem with Perchlorates
Perchlorates and chlorates are potent oxidizers that can cause:
- Equipment Corrosion: They corrode equipment, making water extraction and processing challenging.
- Health Hazards: They pose a risk to human health, even at low concentrations.
Therefore, Martian water requires extensive treatment and purification before it would be safe for human consumption.
