What defines potable water?

Potable water is specifically defined as water that is safe for human consumption. This means it meets health standards that ensure it is free from harmful pathogens, chemical pollutants, and other contaminants that could pose health risks to individuals. The definition is crucial for public health as it determines the water quality standards that municipal suppliers and other providers must adhere to in order to protect consumers.

In considering the other choices, water suitable only for irrigation does not meet the safety and health standards required for human consumption. Recycled water, while it can be treated to a potable standard, is not inherently considered potable unless it has undergone proper treatment and testing to ensure its safety. Lastly, water from natural springs may be potable, but not all spring water is guaranteed to meet the necessary safety standards without proper testing. Therefore, the correct definition of potable water is distinctly tied to its safety for human consumption.