What defines potable water?

Potable water is defined as water that is safe to drink and free from harmful contaminants. The correct choice highlights that potable water should be free from organisms capable of causing disease and contaminants, ensuring it meets health standards necessary for human consumption.

This is essential because pathogens and harmful substances in water can lead to various health risks, including gastrointestinal diseases and other serious health issues. By focusing on the removal of disease-causing organisms and contaminants, this definition captures the critical aspect of water quality that makes it suitable for drinking.

While other options mention aspects like being free from all forms of pollution or minerals that could produce adverse effects, these do not fully encompass the primary concern of water safety, which is the presence of organisms that can cause illness. Therefore, the emphasis on disease-causing organisms and contaminants is crucial for understanding what makes water potable.