What is the definition of potable water?

The definition of potable water is specifically water that is suitable for drinking and cooking. This ensures that the water meets certain safety and quality standards that allow it to be consumed without risk to health. Potable water must be free from harmful contaminants and pathogens, making it essential for human consumption and cooking purposes.

While the other options describe different types of water sources or treatments, they do not inherently convey the health and safety standards required for water to be considered potable. For instance, water from a well may or may not be potable depending on its cleanliness and testing results. Chemically treated water also does not guarantee that it is suitable for drinking if the treatment is insufficient or improper. Similarly, rainwater can be collected and may be drinkable, but it needs to be properly filtered and treated to ensure it is safe for consumption. Therefore, the key characteristic defining potable water is its suitability for safe human consumption.