Water can be made potable through various processes, including filtration, coagulation, sedimentation, disinfection, and, in some cases, desalination.

The initial step in the water purification process is often coagulation. During this phase, specific chemicals are introduced into the water to facilitate the clumping of small suspended particles into larger aggregates. This aggregation makes it easier to remove the particles in the subsequent step, sedimentation, where the water is allowed to stand undisturbed, enabling the larger particles to settle to the bottom.

Filtration is another essential technique in the purification process. Here, the water is passed through layers of materials such as sand, gravel, and sometimes charcoal. This step effectively removes even smaller particles, including bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals that could pose health risks if ingested.

Disinfection is a critical step that follows filtration. In this phase, disinfectants, typically chlorine or chloramine, are added to eliminate any remaining pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. This step is vital to ensure the water is safe for consumption.

In certain regions, desalination may be necessary to provide potable water. This process involves removing salt from seawater to make it safe for drinking. Desalination can be achieved through distillation, where seawater is boiled, and the steam is collected and condensed back into liquid form, leaving the salt behind. Alternatively, reverse osmosis can be employed, which forces water through a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass while blocking larger ions and molecules, such as salt.

It is important to recognize that the specific methods employed can vary based on the quality of the water source and the available technology. For instance, in some developing countries, simpler techniques such as boiling or solar disinfection may be utilized. Regardless of the methods applied, the ultimate goal remains the same: to produce water that is both safe and agreeable to drink.