Water which is purified and fit for drinking is known as

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Potable water is the specific and correct term for water that has been treated or is naturally safe for human consumption.
To be considered potable, water must be free from harmful microorganisms (pathogens) and toxic chemical substances.
It should also be aesthetically acceptable, meaning it is clear, colorless, and odorless.
This term encompasses any water source or type (e.g., tap water, bottled water) that meets the required safety standards for drinking.

Option A: Non-potable water is the direct opposite of the question's description. It refers to water that is unsafe for drinking.
Option B: While distilled water is pure and safe to drink, it is a specific type of purified water. 'Potable water' is the broader, more general term for any water that is fit for consumption, regardless of the purification method.
Option D: Contaminated water is unsafe for drinking because it contains harmful substances. This is a type of non-potable water.

Visual 1: Infographic: A visual chart comparing Potable, Non-potable, Distilled, and Contaminated water with clear icons and key characteristics for each.
Visual 2: Flowchart: A diagram illustrating the steps of municipal water purification, from the raw water source (like a river) to the final potable water supplied to homes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology of Water Safety and Quality as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's role includes educating patients and communities about the importance of using potable water to prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis A.
In community health nursing, assessing the safety of water sources is a critical public health function, especially in rural or underserved areas.
What if? If a community experiences a flood, their regular water source may become contaminated. The nurse's priority is to advise residents on emergency water purification methods (like boiling for at least one minute or using chlorine tablets) until a safe supply is restored.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'purified' and 'fit for drinking'.
This is a factual recall question that asks for a specific definition.
Evaluate each option based on the keywords. 'Potable' is a direct synonym for 'drinkable' or 'fit for drinking'.
Eliminate the options that are opposite to the definition (Non-potable, Contaminated).
Differentiate between the general term (Potable Water) and a specific type (Distilled water). The most encompassing and accurate term is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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