Raw water is untreated water from sources such as ponds, lakes, and springs. Proponents argue that it offers health benefits, but most raw water is unsafe for consumption due to potential health risks. Municipal water treatment plants remove contaminants, and even bottled water goes through a treatment process. Some stores sell bottled raw water, but it should be thoroughly tested before consumption. Proper testing is critical to disease prevention and good health.
Raw water is a broad term that describes water that hasn’t been treated to remove bacteria and other contaminants. While this is a controversial topic, raw water proponents argue that tap water is so heavily treated with chemicals that it can be potentially harmful or even contribute to disease. These advocates also believe that untreated water in its natural state offers health benefits and vital minerals. In general, most raw water is unsafe for consumption, and only a limited supply of raw water that has been tested should be considered safe to consume.
Raw water comes from a variety of places, including surface and underground sources. Surface sources include ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. Groundwater sources include springs and boreholes located underground, often requiring drilling or pumping to access them. Untreated wastewater entering a municipal wastewater treatment plant is not considered raw water under this definition.
Any untreated water poses serious health risks, including those associated with E. coli and other bacteria. Most developed countries have extensive water treatment systems in place to decontaminate water and remove potential health risks. Using chlorine and other chemicals, municipal water treatment plants remove excess minerals and odors to improve the safety, appearance and taste of the water. This water then travels through water supply pipes to homes and businesses. By most sanitary standards, this water is safe for consumption and free from most major contaminants.
Even bottled water often goes through a vigorous treatment process to remove excess bacteria and minerals. Spring water is often subjected to mechanical pumping, exposure to sunlight, and even chemical treatment, which some advocates believe mars the water’s natural benefits.
Some stores now sell bottled raw water, popular with raw food enthusiasts and those who believe in the potential health benefits of consuming raw water. This water typically comes from gravity fed sources and does not use pumps or drilling. The water is bottled and capped at the source to keep air and potential airborne contaminants out of each bottle. Much of this water comes from underground sources and experiences little or no exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light, which is another important factor for some raw water enthusiasts.
The sale of raw water is permitted in some regions and prohibited in others. Typically, municipalities that allow this water to be sold require rigorous testing to check for bacteria and other potential health risks. Some raw water enthusiasts may also bottle their own water in local streams or lakes, although this water should also be thoroughly tested before consumption. Even water that appears clean and fresh can harbor invisible bacteria or other hazards, so proper testing is critical to disease prevention and good health.
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