In Theocritus XXIV 98 Ablabes Ydor (Thcrt. XXIV 98) does not mean «water a yerting harm» nor «clean water». The adjective retains the Homeric sense of
Aicfirrco; Aiaflotiat, «hinder», «stop». Therefore in Theocritus' aboye
mentioned passage its meaning is «not stagnant». In rites of purification,
such as the one prescribed here by the seer Tiresias, running water had to
be use.