Is there any difference between Potable water & Drinking water?

Question

Why do they use the word, 'Potable' if it's all the same?

Answer 1

Potable generally refers to water that you could safely drink.

Drinking water refers to water that is actually used for drinking.

For example two identical lakes are next to each other. Lake A is a resevoir and has water pumped directly into peoples homes.

Lake B has the same quality water as Lake A, but is not used for drinking water.

The water in Lake A would be drinking water (which is also potable), Lake B would contain potable water.

Answer 2

Nothing that I know of except where you might get your potable water or drinking water!

Please stay away from potable water in the portable poties at concerts though!

Answer 3

It's all the same. They use potable to confuse stupid people that don't know how to use a dictionary. Kind of like flammable and inflammable...do they mean the same thing?....use a dictionary dude.

Answer 4

It's the same thing but sounds posher.

They can charge more.

Answer 5

no it is the same thing

potable is more scientific i guess lol