Drinkable vs. Potable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Drinkable refers to any liquid safe and acceptable for consumption, whereas potable specifically denotes water that is safe to drink without health risks.
Difference Between Drinkable and Potable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Drinkable liquids include any beverages or fluids deemed safe and suitable for human consumption, encompassing a broad range of liquids from water to soft drinks and alcohol, whereas potable is a term specifically used to describe water that is safe for drinking, free from pollutants and pathogens.
While all potable liquids are drinkable, not all drinkable liquids are necessarily potable, as the latter must meet certain safety standards specific to water.
Drinkable liquids may vary in taste and quality and still be considered safe, while potable water typically has regulated standards regarding its cleanliness and mineral content.
For instance, a drinkable juice may contain sugars and flavors and still be safe, but potable water must be clear of harmful substances and not alter in flavor or composition.
In legal and regulatory contexts, "potable" often has strict definitions and guidelines it must adhere to, particularly concerning public health and safety, whereas "drinkable" is a more general term that might not carry specific legal implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Safe and suitable for drinking
Specifically refers to water that is safe to drink
Scope
Broad, includes any liquid
Narrow, limited to water
Safety Standards
Variable, depends on the liquid
Strict, especially in public health contexts
Regulatory Framework
Less stringent or varied
Heavily regulated, especially for public supplies
Usage Contexts
General and casual
Technical and specific, often in environmental and health regulations
Compare with Definitions
Drinkable
Non-toxic and not harmful if consumed.
Ensure the cleaning agents are not drinkable.
Potable
Water that is safe to drink.
The campsite has a supply of potable water.
Drinkable
Suitable for drinking in terms of flavor.
This wine is more drinkable than the last batch we tried.
Potable
Often discussed in the context of public health.
Providing potable water is a key concern for the municipality.
Drinkable
Safe for consumption.
The milk is still fresh and drinkable.
Potable
Meeting safety standards for consumption.
After the treatment, the water became potable.
Drinkable
Fit to be used as a beverage.
The fountain water is clean but hardly drinkable due to its chlorine taste.
Potable
Free from pollutants and pathogens.
Potable water is essential in disaster-stricken areas.
Drinkable
Of acceptable taste or quality to drink.
The coffee is barely drinkable.
Potable
Regulated by health authorities.
Potable water must comply with local health regulations.
Drinkable
Suitable or fit for drinking; potable
Drinkable water.
Potable
Fit to drink.
Drinkable
Easy and pleasing to drink
Drinkable wine.
Potable
A beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage
Wine and other potables.
Drinkable
A beverage.
Potable
(formal) Good for drinking without fear of disease or poisoning.
Drinkable
Able to be drunk (as liquid).
Potable
Any drinkable liquid; a beverage.
Drinkable
(of water) Safe to drink.
Potable
Fit to be drunk; drinkable.
Drinkable
(of an alcoholic beverage, especially wine) Of good or satisfactory quality.
Potable
Any liquid suitable for drinking;
May I take your beverage order?
Drinkable
That which can be drunk.
Potable
Of alcoholic beverages that are suitable for drinking;
It's an impudent young wine but I think you will find it quite potable
Drinkable
Capable of being drunk; suitable for drink; potable. Macaulay. Also used substantively, esp. in the plural.
Drinkable
Any liquid suitable for drinking;
May I take your beverage order?
Drinkable
Fit to drink
Common Curiosities
What does potable mean?
Potable means water that is safe for human consumption without health risks.
Can potable water become non-potable?
Yes, if contaminated by pollutants or improperly handled.
What makes a liquid non-drinkable?
Contamination with harmful substances or poor quality can make liquids non-drinkable.
Are there different standards for drinkable and potable?
Yes, potable water has specific health and safety standards, while drinkable can apply to any safe liquid.
Can all drinkable liquids be considered potable?
No, only water that meets safety standards for consumption can be considered potable.
How do authorities ensure water is potable?
Authorities test water for contaminants and treat it to meet health guidelines.
Why is the distinction between drinkable and potable important?
This distinction helps in understanding safety levels and regulatory compliance, especially concerning water.
Is bottled water always potable?
Bottled water is generally potable, as it must comply with safety regulations.
What is the primary concern with non-potable water?
The primary concern is health risks from pathogens and chemicals.
Are there treatments to make non-potable water potable?
Yes, treatments like filtration, chlorination, and boiling can make water potable.
Can drinkable liquids include alcohol?
Yes, alcohol that is safe to consume is considered drinkable.
How do sensory properties affect the drinkability of a liquid?
Taste, smell, and appearance can affect whether a liquid is considered drinkable.
What role do health regulations play in defining potable water?
They set the standards for what constitutes potable water to ensure public safety.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
