Question:
If water in ponds or streams is clear, is it ok to drink it?
Answer:
Potable is the term used for water that is safe to drink. The clarity of water is not always an indication that water is potable. Even the clearest water can contain harmful organisms that are too small to be seen except with a microscope. Even running water can be in-potable (not good to drink).
Lake and pond water that is not moving contain organisms that may not be found in flowing streams.
In addition to the presence of harmful microorganisms, ponds and streams may contain pollutants, such as animal body waste and chemicals.
For information and an activity about paramecium, a microorganism found in ponds, see PARAMECIUM.
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