Potable water, also known as drinking water, is obtained from natural sources and then treated to ensure it is safe for consumption.
Sources of Potable Water
Based on available information, potable water comes from specific natural locations:
- Surface water sources: This includes water found on the surface of the Earth, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
- Groundwater sources: This refers to water located underground in aquifers.
The Treatment Process
Water sourced from these locations is not typically ready to drink directly. It undergoes significant processing:
- The water is treated to levels that meet state and federal standards for consumption.
This treatment process removes contaminants, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances, ensuring the water is clean and safe for drinking.
Steps Involved (General Overview based on treatment mention)
While the reference specifically mentions treatment to meet standards, the general process typically involves steps such as:
- Filtration to remove particles.
- Disinfection using chemicals like chlorine or UV light to kill microorganisms.
- Testing to verify quality and safety standards are met.
In summary, to get potable water, water is collected from surface or groundwater sources and then treated rigorously to comply with strict safety standards before it is distributed for public use.
