### Theory:

The water that is fit for drinking is called potable water.
$$1$$ to $$2$$ grams of dissolved salts, mostly common salt $$NaCl$$, are present in every litre of drinkable water. Small amounts of calcium ($$Ca$$), magnesium ($$Mg$$), potassium ($$K$$), copper ($$Cu$$) and zinc ($$Zn$$) are present in addition to common salt. Water has a unique taste due to the minerals it contains. These minerals are also beneficial to our bodies’ metabolism. Dissolved gases are also present in potable water.
Have you ever had a taste of seawater? What would be your first reaction?

You would probably feel like vomiting. There is a lot of salt in the water, which makes you feel nauseous. There are $$35$$ grams of dissolved salts in every litre of saltwater, the most common of which is sodium chloride ($$NaCl$$). Such water is also called saline water. It is said to be non-potable water because it is not suitable for drinking.
Characteristics of potable water:
• Colourless and odourless
• Transparent
• It should be free of bacteria, viruses and protozoa
• Impurities such as suspended solids should be absent
• It should have some minerals and salts that our body need and some dissolved gases to add a taste to it.