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Is the word potável the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "potável" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated, giving the language a more melodic, syllabic rhythm. In Continental Portuguese, there is a significant tendency toward vowel reduction, where unstressed vowels are pronounced more closed or even almost disappear. In the word "po-TÁ-vel," a Brazilian would pronounce the "e" in the final syllable with more clarity, whereas a person from Portugal might reduce that "e" to a very short, neutral sound, making the word sound more "consonantal."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A água da torneira é potável. (The tap water is drinkable.)
  2. Não sabemos se esta água é potável. (We don't know if this water is potable.)
  3. Este filtro deixa a água potável. (This filter makes the water drinkable.)
  4. É importante garantir água potável para todos. (It is important to ensure potable water for everyone.)
  5. A água do rio não é potável. (The river water is not potable.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A água da torneira é potável. (The tap water is drinkable.)
  2. Não sei se esta água é potável. (I don't know if this water is potable.)
  3. O filtro serve para tornar a água potável. (The filter serves to make the water drinkable.)
  4. É essencial garantir água potável a todos. (It is essential to ensure potable water to all.)
  5. Esta água não é potável. (This water is not potable.)