What is meant by potable water?

Potable water refers specifically to water that has been treated and is safe for human consumption. This includes being suitable for drinking, which implies that it meets health standards for safety and purity. The emphasis on being "purified" underscores the processes that water goes through to eliminate contaminants and ensure that it is suitable for ingestion without risk of illness. This definition is critical for flight attendants as they need to understand the importance of providing passengers with water that is not only safe but also free from harmful substances during flights.

In the context of the other options, cooking water, while it needs to be safe, does not explicitly confirm the level of treatment that qualifies it as potable. Untreated water, by nature, cannot be considered potable because it may contain harmful microbes or pollutants. Water used for cleaning does not necessarily meet the criteria for drinking, even if it is technically clean for other purposes. Thus, the focus on purification is what distinctly identifies potable water as fit for human consumption.