Drinking water otherwise called potable water is used for domestic purposes with minimal long term diverse effects on the consumer’s health. Therefore, it is prepared sufficiently well such that pathogens, vectors of water borne diseases and suspended particles are eliminated. Drinking water is delivered in a form which makes it ready for consumption without having to treat it chemically or mechanically. This is because it is treated from the source by the drinking water network suppliers who at times deliver it in a separate tap (Clasen, et. al, 2007).
In areas where the government does not provide drinking water in pipes, the following factors can be used to determine the quality of that particular water that will be used for drinking. Incase the drinking water is obtained from wells, springs, rivers or ponds, adequate measures should be laid to ensures that these sites are well protected. Consequently, the sanitation of residents around that area should be checked frequently to reduce contamination of the source. However, drinking water from these sites have to be treated mechanically, then chemically before consuming as a way of enhancing its quality to avoid water borne diseases (Clasen, et. al, 2007).
Bottled water is not the best option for purchasing drinking water as research has shown that the water contained in these bottled is often contaminated by chemicals present in the bottles. The long term effect of such chemicals is detrimental as compared to the long term effects of tap water. As there is no surety of the degree of purity or level of quality in the bottled, as well as, tap drinking water, it is neither worthwhile nor safe to purchase bottled drinking water (Ikem, et. al, 2001).
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