Which type of piping is commonly used for potable water supply?

Copper piping is commonly used for potable water supply due to its excellent properties that make it highly suitable for delivering drinking water. It is non-toxic, resistant to corrosion, and has a long lifespan, which means it can withstand the conditions found in drinking water systems without compromising water quality. Copper also has inherent antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the water, ensuring safer drinking water.

PVC, while used in various plumbing applications, is generally not approved for potable water supply in many jurisdictions because it can leach harmful substances into the water, especially at high temperatures. LDPE, although flexible and useful for certain applications like irrigation, is typically not used for supplying potable water in permanent installations. Black iron is primarily used for gas piping and is unsuitable for transporting potable water due to corrosion issues and the risk of rust contaminating the water.

Thus, the properties and standards surrounding copper piping make it the preferred choice for potable water supply systems.