meaning of "Drinking water"

[Mr.coolbrain]

hi,

i've just started learning english.

Does anybody know the explanation for the term " Drinking water "

why not "drinkable water " why is it wrong ?

good reply would be greatly appreciated.

Arun.

[Conchita]

Both 'drinkable water' and 'drinking water' refer to water which is fit or safe to drink. Besides, 'drinkable' has the additional meaning of 'nice to drink': It is quite a drinkable wine.

[Mr.coolbrain]

thanks for your reply.

but, we don't use drinkable water. are we ?

drink+ing also refers present continous tense isn't it.

please clear my doubt.

thanks in advance.

Arun.

[Conchita]

The term 'drinkable water', though less common than 'drinking water', is actually used, too.

You're right about 'drink+ing' -- it is the present participle, which is used to form continuous tenses. 'Drinking' can also be a noun (gerund) or an adjective.

[Yankee]