Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

What does potable water indicate?

1. Safe for human consumption

2. Has a chlorine residual

3. Free of disease causing organisms

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Potable water indicates that the water is safe for human consumption, which encompasses several key aspects. Firstly, it must meet health-based standards set by regulatory agencies to ensure it does not pose any health risks when ingested. This includes being free of harmful contaminants such as chemicals, pathogens, and other harmful substances. Having a chlorine residual is often part of water treatment processes to disinfect the water and help maintain its quality as it travels through the distribution system. While chlorine residual alone is not a sole indicator of potability, it does contribute to preventing the regrowth of pathogens after treatment. Additionally, being free of disease-causing organisms is crucial because the presence of such organisms can lead to waterborne diseases, making water unsafe for consumption. Therefore, potable water includes all these factors: it is safe for consumption, often contains a chlorine residual for disinfection, and is free from disease-causing organisms. All aspects are significant in defining water that is deemed potable.