Drinking water or potable water is water that is safe for ingestion, either when drunk directly in liquid form or consumed indirectly through food preparation. It is often (but not always) supplied through taps, in which case it is also called tap water. Don't know the difference between potable and non potable water? Find out today by reading the latest blog article here at Covac! The water which is not potable or fit for drinking is called raw water and is mostly from the sources like groundwater, rivers, and lakes. Sometimes the non-potable water may also taste normal just like potable water, but it can cause major health problems. People in developed countries don’t know the source of the water. What Is Potable Water? Potable water refers to water that is safe for human consumption and meets the quality standards set by regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA. It is free from harmful contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals, making it suitable for drinking, cooking, and other domestic uses.