unpotable
Not safe or suitable for drinking, typically due to contamination, salinity, or the presence of harmful substances.
Adjective
This term describes liquids that are unfit for human consumption, often carrying a clinical or technical tone. It is frequently employed in environmental reports, health warnings, or survival contexts to indicate that water contains toxins, bacteria, or excessive minerals that make it dangerous to ingest.
While "undrinkable" is a common synonym used in everyday speech, "unpotable" is the preferred term in formal, scientific, or regulatory settings. It specifically targets the quality and safety of the liquid rather than the physical ability to swallow it.