Which statement best defines nonpotable water?

• A. Water approved for human consumption after minor treatment.
• B. Water collected from a variety of sources, such as rainwater, that has not been approved for human consumption but can be used for irrigation and toilet flushing.
• C. Water from lakes that is safe for drinking.
• D. Water pumped from a municipal drinking water supply.

Answer: (B)

Nonpotable water is water that is not approved for drinking but is suitable for other uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing. It can come from sources like rainwater capture or treated wastewater (graywater) and is used after appropriate treatment for non-drinking purposes, with clear separation from the potable water system to prevent cross-connection.

The statement describing water collected from various sources, such as rainwater, that has not been approved for human consumption but can be used for irrigation and toilet flushing, matches this definition.

Water that is approved for human consumption after minor treatment, water from lakes safe for drinking, or water pumped from a municipal drinking-water supply would all be considered potable, not nonpotable.