potable water

• Why is drinking water essential for human life?

  It is necessary for hydration and bodily functions
• What defines potable water?

  Water safe to drink with low dissolved salts
• What are the two main criteria for drinking water?

  Low dissolved salts and low microbes
• How does potable water differ from pure water?

  Potable water contains small amounts of dissolved substances
• What is the primary 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 alternatives to chlorine are used for sterilizing water?

  Ozone or ultraviolet light
• Why is fresh water scarce in many places?

  Only salty water may be available
• What is the main characteristic of seawater?

  High levels of dissolved minerals
• What is desalination?

  Process to reduce dissolved minerals in water
• What is one method of desalination mentioned in the video?

  Distillation
• What is another method of desalination mentioned?

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

  They require large amounts of energy