Why can’t we process ocean water so it’s drinkable, instead of relying on rivers/lakes for our drinking water?
We can. And in some areas we even do. It is incredibly expensive though.
The Short Answer
We can. And in some areas we even do. It is incredibly expensive though. And seeing as that people like their water cheap, it is more advantageous to get it from lakes or underground sources than desalinate ocean water.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Water, areas, incredibly
This explanation focuses on water, areas, incredibly and spans 39 words across 4 sentences. At 45% below the average Nature explanation (71 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “We can.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #370 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 75%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why we process ocean water so it's drinkable, instead of relying on rivers/lakes for our drinking water?
We can. And in some areas we even do. It is incredibly expensive though. And seeing as that people like their water cheap, it is more advantageous to get it from lakes or underground sources than desalinate ocean water.
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is a focused answer at 39 words, ranked #370 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are water, areas, incredibly.
What approach does this answer take to explain we process ocean water so it's drinkable, instead of relying?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 39 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.