potable water

• What is the difference between potable and pure water?

  Potable water contains dissolved substances; pure water does not
• Why is drinking water essential for human life?

  It is necessary for hydration and bodily functions
• What are the acceptable levels of dissolved salts in drinking water?

  They must be sufficiently low
• What term do scientists use for water that is safe to drink?

  Potable water
• What is the main source of potable water in the UK?

  Rainwater
• Where does rainwater collect in the UK?

  In aquifers, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs
• What is the first step in producing potable water from fresh water?

  Use a good source of fresh water
• What is the purpose of filter beds in water treatment?

  To remove leaves and suspended particles
• How is water sterilized in the UK?

  Using chlorine
• What alternative methods are used for sterilizing water in some parts of the world?

  Ozone or ultraviolet light
• Why is fresh water scarce in some countries?

  Because it may be too salty to drink
• What is the main characteristic of seawater?

  It has very high levels of dissolved minerals
• What process is used to produce potable water from seawater?

  Desalination
• What are the two methods of desalination mentioned?

  Distillation and reverse osmosis
• What is a drawback of both distillation and reverse osmosis?

  They require large amounts of energy
• What makes desalination processes expensive?

  The large amounts of energy required
• What are the steps to produce potable water from fresh water?

  1. Use a good source of fresh water
  2. Pass the water through filter beds
  3. Sterilize the water to kill microbes
• What are the steps to produce potable water from seawater?

  1. Desalination to reduce dissolved minerals
  2. Methods include:

  • Distillation
  • Reverse osmosis
• Compare potable water and pure water.

  • Potable water:
  • Contains dissolved substances
  • Safe for drinking
  • Pure water:
  • Contains no dissolved substances
  • Not necessarily safe for drinking
• What are the sources of fresh water in the UK?

  • Aquifers
  • Lakes
  • Rivers
  • Reservoirs
• What are the methods of sterilizing water?

  • Chlorine (UK)
  • Ozone (some regions)
  • Ultraviolet light (some regions)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of desalination methods?

  Advantages:

  • Provides potable water from seawater

  Disadvantages:

  • High energy consumption
  • Expensive processes