Answer:
The defining characteristic of potable water is that it: Can be used and consumed without risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand this answer we need to analyze all of the options.
a. is used as tap water. All kinds of water supplied by a tap valve is tap water and not all of it can be drunk without risks. So this option is incorrect.
b. can be used for washing and irrigation. Many rivers and lakes produce water that can be used to wash irrigation, and those types of water are not potable. The only characteristic that water used for washing irrigation needs to have is not being polluted but it can be dirty as it can be.
c. can be used and consumed without risk. This is the correct answer because potable means safe tod rink without dangers.
d. is delivered through pipes. This is also incorrect because toxic wastewater can be delivered through pipes, so it's incorrect. We need clean water that is safe to drink not distributed by pipes.