What is salt water?

Salt water can refer to a solution of salt and water, or the water contained in oceans and seas that has a high level of dissolved salt. Humans cannot drink a large amount of salt water without facing adverse health effects.

Freshwater outlets are the primary source for human drinking water. These consist of wells, springs and lakes. In places where no freshwater is readily available, salt water can be turned into drinkable water at a desalination plant. The simplest way to create clean water from salt water is through distillation, which involves boiling off water and condensing it into a separate container.