Potable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Latin 'potabilis', meaning 'drinkable', deriving from 'potare', which means 'to drink'.
• In medieval times, the importance of potable water led to the establishment of rules for safe drinking in cities.

Health

• Access to potable water is crucial for preventing diseases, as unsafe water can carry harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Countries often have different standards for what is considered safe, influenced by local environmental conditions.

Environmental Science

• Pollution significantly affects the availability of potable water, making it a critical focus for environmental protection efforts.
• Water purification technologies have evolved, allowing for greater access to potable water even in contaminated areas.

Cultural Practices

• Many cultures have unique methods of treating water to ensure it is potable, such as boiling or using natural filtration techniques.
• In some regions, traditional practices involve rainwater harvesting, enabling communities to collect and store potable water.

Public Policy

• Governments invest in infrastructure to provide clean, potable water to their populations, impacting public health significantly.
• In emergency situations, ensuring the availability of potable water is prioritized to maintain community health and safety.

With rank #19,039, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 19036 wading
• 19037 mortally
• 19038 instilled
• 19039 potable
• 19040 wetted
• 19041 academically
• 19042 abhorrence
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