About 18% of travelers went on adventure tours in 2021. On adventure tours, potable water is essential. You can’t survive without it.
But as long as you have an ample supply of potable water with you, you can survive almost anywhere.
So what is potable water? Read on to find out.
What Is Potable Water?
Potable water is any drinking water treated to remove harmful contaminants. This makes it safe for human consumption. The word “potable” comes from the Latin word “potare,” which means “to drink or swallow.”
You can find natural potable water in underground reservoirs or natural springs called aquifers.
How to Make Water Potable
If you’re ever in a situation where clean water is scarce, you can make water safe to drink. Here are a few common ways to do it.
Water Filter
Many filters are available on the market, including gravity-fed and pump-operated filters. The best filters remove both viruses and bacteria from water. They’re also portable, so you can carry them around as part of your survival kit.
Boiling Water
Boil your water for at least one minute. This will help kill off any harmful bacteria and viruses.
Chemical Treatment
You can find chemical treatment tablets at camping supply stores. All you have to do is add them to the water you plan on drinking. The chemical reaction created by these tablets is effective against a broad range of microorganisms.
After the manufacturer’s specified amount of time has passed, the water will be safe to drink.
How to Store Potable Water
Store your water in a cool, dark location. This will help prevent contamination and loss of product.
Check the seal of your containers regularly to make sure they’re not damaged. If you notice any holes or leakage, replace the container. Holes can lead to the growth of microorganisms, making the water unsafe for drinking.
Discard water that has an unpleasant smell or taste. The same goes if there is discoloration of any kind.
Potable Water Tanks
Potable water tanks serve as a reservoir for your drinking water. They’re also used to store water for washing clothes and bathing. Plus, you can use these tanks to supply water to plants and pets at home.
If you store your potable water in tanks instead of bottles, it helps keep the temperature stable. The water won’t freeze or heat too fast.
Potable water tanks also keep out debris and insects, so your water stays clean and safe to drink.
Store Your Water for Emergencies
You can now answer, “What is potable water?” It’s a precious resource that we all need to survive. Having clean, potable water for drinking and cooking is essential.
If you don’t have access to fresh spring water or want to store water for emergencies, it’s time to invest in your potable water tanks. That way, you’ll always have fresh water during your adventures.
Drinking water is vital for healthy living but it isn’t the only way. Read our health and fitness section to learn more about staying well.
