What type of testing is used to determine water's suitability for human consumption?

Potability testing is specifically designed to assess whether water is safe for human consumption. This type of testing evaluates various factors, including the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of water. The primary aim is to verify that the water meets health standards and is free from harmful contaminants that could pose health risks.

This testing encompasses a range of analyses that help identify any potentially hazardous substances in the water supply, including pathogens, chemical pollutants, and physical parameters such as turbidity and temperature. By determining the potability of water, regulatory agencies and health organizations can provide the necessary information to protect public health and ensure access to safe drinking water.

Other types of testing, while important, do not specifically focus on the overall safety and quality of water for human consumption in the comprehensive manner that potability testing does.