The document explains what potable water is, emphasizing that it is treated and safe for drinking while non-potable water poses health risks due to contaminants. The purification process for municipal water includes screening, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination to ensure safety for consumption. It also discusses methods for purifying water in the wild and addresses FAQs surrounding potable water, including its health implications, contamination sources, and comparisons between bottled and tap water.

1. POTABLE WATERPOTABLE WATER

2. CONTENT
• What is potable water
• Purification process to get potable water
• Other water purification methods
• How to purify water to potable water in
wild
• FAQ’s about potable water
How does potable water relate to our health
How does potable water become contaminated
Is drinking bottled better than tap water

3. What is potable water
You may be asking yourself what is potable water, but
the answer is fairly simple. Potable water has been
filtered, cleaned, or treated to meet the standards for
drinking water, meaning that it is reasonably clear of
contaminants and harmful bacteria. This makes the water
safe for drinking and cooking. Water purified via reverse
osmosis, distilled, or UV filtered and water treated within
municipal water systems all qualify as potable water.
Most non-potable water will be raw water from ground
wells, springs, ground water, rivers, or lakes that is not
treated. It is not safe to drink as there are unknown
contaminants in untested water. It is possible for non-
potable water to taste normal, but carry health risks.

4. Purification process to get potable water
Water wich contains dissolved salts may not be
fit for drinking. It may also contain harmfull
microorganisms in it. The water that you get in
your taps is made potable, or fit for drinking, by
the municipal corporation of your city. The water
taken from the source passes through the
following steps in a water treatment plant.
The water from the source passed through screen
filters which remove large insoluble particlse like
twigs, leaves, etc.,.
Alum is added at this point. Earlier you studied
how alum helps in settling fine particals of clay
which may be suspended in water. This process is
called coagulation.

5. • The water is then allowed to a settling tank. Heavy
sediments settle down here. This process is called
sedimentation.
• The clear water from the top is now passed through
beds of sand filters to remove any left over insoluble
solids. This step is called filtration.
• Finally, a small amount of chlorine gas is passed
through water in a chlorination tank. Chlorine kills
any harmfull microorganisams. That may be present
in water.
• The water is now safe for drking. It is stored and
then supplied to the people in the city through a
network of pipes.

6. Use purification tablets or drops. You can purchase these drops or
tablets at sporting goods and adventure stores. Keep in mind that
this is not the best tasting method, but protection from bacteria is
worth a bitter taste in your mouth.
Other purification methods
Use a pump purifier. You can use these types of purifiers in
conjunction with a canteen or water bottle when out in the
wilderness. These pumps are generally hand held and made out
of a synthetic or ceramic cartridge. Most filters have two
separate hoses, one for clean water, the other for dirty water.
boiling the water. When bubbles begin to appear, it means
that the water is starting to boil, but continue heating until
the water goes into a hard, rolling boil, then start timing.
Continue to boil the water for 5-10 minutes plus 1 minute for
every 300m above sea level, up to around 5500m where
boiling becomes ineffective, to have the most effect upon
any bacteria and other micro-organisms.

7. Form a cone out of a strip of
bark. Birch bark, or a bark similar to it,
is best for creating this filtering system
because it is flexible but will keep its
shape.
Layer the cone. Wildwood Survival
suggests layering the cone with sand,
charcoal, grass, and gravel (or small
rocks.)
Pour the water through the cone and
into a container. Do this several times
to increase the amount of purification
that occurs.
How to purify water into portable water in wild

8. FAQ’s about potable water
1. how does potable water relate to our health
Ans. Water with contaminants can lead to various health issues,
such as neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and
gastrointestinal issues. Those who at a higher risk of developing an
illness following consumption of contaminated water include people
who are immune-compromised, the elderly, pregnant women,
young children, and infants.
An example would be high lead levels leading to serious health
complications, particularly in young children and pregnant women.
As such, there are Federal laws in place that require systems to
reduce specific contaminants so they fall under set levels, protecting
the health of the general population.

9. 2. How does potable water become contaminated
Ans. There are various contamination sources for
water systems. The most common sources which
lead to contamination include:
• Malfunctions in wastewater treatment systems
(such as nearby septic systems)
• Sewer overflows
• Manufacturing processes
• Use practices on local land (such as
concentrated animal feeding, livestock,
pesticides, and fertilizers)
• Chemicals and minerals which occur naturally
(such as uranium, radon, and arsenic)

10. 3.Is drinking bottled better than tap water
Ans. It is common to worry about getting sick after drinking tap
water, particularly because of news stories, such as those related to
the Legionella outbreaks. These people will choose to install a water
purification system (which is frequently expensive) or simply drink
bottled water. In reality, however, there have been various studies
that show that people who take these steps are actually wasting
their money.
Bottled water is an expensive item to purchase and it can actually be
dirtier than the tap water, depending on where you live and the
bottled water you buy. To remain safe, ensure that what you buy is
potable water by making sure that the company supplying the water
is part of the IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) as this
ensures that they live up to the rigorous testing requirements for
drinking water.

11. For watching my presentatiom on
Thank you
For watching my presentation on
potable water
Done by :- D.Dolitha
Grade :-vii