Final answer:
The physical characteristics of water for domestic use, such as taste, odor, turbidity, and color, are properties that can be measured without altering the water's chemical composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical characteristics of water for domestic use relate to the sensory qualities we can observe or measure without changing the water's chemical makeup. These include taste and odor, which are both absent in pure water, as well as turbidity (the clarity of water) and color. Turbidity and color are important when large volumes of water are observed, such as lakes or oceans, where water shows a light blue color due to the selective absorption and scattering of light. While physical properties also cover aspects like the phase of matter and density, they do not include chemical composition or bacterial content, which are related to the chemical and biological characteristics of water. These factors are essential when determining a water body's suitability for different uses, such as drinking or recreation, based on health and safety standards.