Potable water is simply water that is safe and fit for consumption by humans and animals. Generally if water comes from a mountain spring, rain water or a fast running river the water it is potable. If the water is contaminated in some way there are a number of solutions to make it potable. It must be free of bacteria and other contaminates.
In a world where we are trying to be more “green” and use our resources more wisely the potable water takes on a whole new meaning. For example, you want to use potable water in all of your cooking. So you’ve just boiled your vegetable, don’t dump that potable water down the sink. Put in a container and let it cool. This is now a great way to water your houseplants and indoor herb garden.
In fact, before you let any potable water run down the drain stop and think, “Is there another way this can be used?” Can you use it to scrub the floor? Some of the time potable water can be used more than once.
Potable water becomes gray water after you use it to bath or wash dishes and such. If you are using green products you may want to consider a system to take the gray water to your sprinkler system. You can not imagine the savings on your water bill and the beautiful lush yard you can have.
Potable water can be used for anything. The true question is what it should be used for. It should be used for drinking, personal hygiene, cooking, sanitation, the sprouting of seeds and reconstituting dehydrated foods. We should not only treasure and conserve our potable water, but actively seek ways to make water potable by more efficient and green means.
Boiling water may truly be the best way to make water potable. It will kill parasitic, bacterial and viral causes of diarrhea. Be sure you are boiling the water for the proper amount of time and use a lid to reduce the amount of water lost in the process. Water should be boiled vigorously for one minute and allowed to cool at room temperature. At altitudes greater that 6,562 feet the rules change some. The water needs to boil vigorously for at least three minutes.
The chemical approach to purifying water making it potable comes in two forms, chlorine and iodine. Both have their pros and cons. But these are tried and true.
If you want to venture out there is bleach, silver and even ultraviolet light.
The bottom line is that potable water is a needed and dwindling resource. It’s up to us to use it wisely and sparingly. It’s not just a good idea. In the end, it’s a matter of life or death.
