From the Latin word aqua , water is a substance made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It is an essential element for life and the component present with the greatest extension on the surface of our planet. What is drinkable, on the other hand, is what can be drunk without risks to health.
The word drinking we have to say that it is a word that has its etymological origin in Latin, derives from "potabilis" which, in turn, comes from the verb "potare" which can be translated as "drink".
The water, in this context, is the water suitable for consumption by the human being. It is an odorless, tasteless and colorless liquid that can be drunk without limitations as it does not harm the body.
There are international regulations to analyze water and determine whether it is drinkable or not according to the minimum and maximum allowable amounts of minerals, particles, etc. At a general level, it is usually established that the pH of water intended for human consumption should be between 6.5 and 9.5.
The high presence of nitrites, arsenic and phosphate, for example, can make the water undrinkable. Similarly, if water harbors viruses, bacteria, radioactive components, suspended sediments, organic elements or toxic products, it cannot be drunk either.
The water treatment is the process that converts water into potable water. It is possible to process the water of a river, a lake or a stream and, through various techniques (such as the application of ultraviolet rays or the addition of chlorine to remove pollutants), make it drinkable water.
Specifically, the task of water purification is based on various treatments such as the following:
-Pre-chlorination and flocculation. This process consists of adding chlorine to eliminate microorganisms that may exist in the water as well as other chemicals. In the same way, the so-called flocs will be formed.
-The decantation.
-The filtration, which consists of passing the water through certain filters in order to eliminate all the sand and other particles that it may have. The result will be that it will stop looking cloudy.
-Chlorination and delivery to the network.
Taking into account the importance of drinking water for the well-being and health of the human being, health authorities often present guidelines to help ensure that those in charge of managing it can ensure that it is in the best conditions and can be drink safely. These important documents at the international level are included from the microbiological, chemical or radiological parameters that you must have, such as the safety plans that must be respected, the goals that must be achieved or the microbiological information sheets that must be used for the best control possible.
Access to drinking water is essential for life. When a person drinks water that is not drinkable, or cooks with it, they run the risk of contracting all kinds of diseases.