Quality of potable water : tap water

Abstract

Historically, civilisations begun within regions of abundant water supplies. Hippocrates, the father of medicine (460 to 354 B.C.) stated that water contributes much to health. This interest in water centred on the selection on the most health giving source of supply rather then on purifying the waters that where bad. Apparently, ancient people deduced by observation that certain water promoted good health, while others produced infection and although they knew nothing about the cause of disease, they appeared at least in some instances, to have been astute enough to recognise the health giving properties of pure and wholesome water. Unfortunately, such information had to be acquired as a result of illness and death of many people. Water quality was not very well documented and people knew relatively little about disease as it related to water quality. Early historical treatment was performed only for the improvement of the appearance and taste of the water. No definite standards of quality other then general clarity or palatability were recorded by ancient civilisations. In 'the quest for pure water', Baker quotes a Sun skirt source,. . . . . it is directed to heat foul water by boiling and exposing to sun light and by dipping 7 times into it, a piece of hot copper then to filter and cool in an earthen vessel. But in order to be used as healthful fluid for human consumption, water must be free from organisms which are capable of causing decease and from minerals and organic substances that could produce adverse physiological effects. Drinking water should be aesthetically acceptable, it should be free from apparent turbidity, colour and odour and from any objectionable taste. Drinking water also should have a reasonable temperature. Water meeting these conditions is termed "potable", meaning that it may be consumed in any desired amount without concern for adverse effects on health.