What type of testing is essential for determining water potability?

Bacterial testing is essential for determining water potability because it specifically identifies the presence of harmful microorganisms that can pose significant health risks to humans. Potable water must be free from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as their consumption can lead to waterborne diseases. By conducting bacterial testing, it’s possible to detect indicators of contamination such as coliform bacteria, which can signal the potential presence of harmful pathogens.

While other types of testing, such as chemical, physical, and radiological testing, play important roles in assessing water quality, they do not directly address the biological safety of the water. Chemical testing might identify harmful substances or pollutants, physical testing focuses on characteristics like turbidity or color, and radiological testing checks for radioactive materials. However, the immediate concern for public health regarding water safety largely revolves around pathogens, making bacterial testing the most crucial for determining if water is safe to drink.