The Truth About Raw Water: Is Unfiltered Water Really Healthier?

In recent years, a new health craze has emerged in certain affluent areas like Silicon Valley - drinking "raw water". Proponents claim that raw water, which is untreated, unfiltered, and sourced directly from natural springs, offers numerous health benefits over regular tap or bottled water. They argue that raw water contains beneficial minerals and probiotics that are removed through standard water treatment processes.1 However, many health experts warn that drinking untreated water can actually be very dangerous due to the risk of waterborne illnesses. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the raw water trend to uncover the real truth behind the hype. Is raw water actually healthier or is it an unsafe fad?

What is Raw Water?

Raw water refers to water that is completely untreated and unfiltered. It is usually collected directly at the source from natural springs or aquifers.2 The water does not go through any of the standard treatment processes used for tap water, such as filtration, chlorination, UV irradiation, or ozonation. It is not tested for contaminants or adjusted for pH.

Raw water enthusiasts believe that this water is healthier because it is totally natural and unadulterated. They claim that raw water contains beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium that are removed from regular drinking water during treatment.1 Some also argue that raw water has healthy probiotic bacteria that are killed by chlorine and other disinfection methods.3

Fans of the raw water movement see treated tap water as unnatural or even harmful. They worry about added fluoride, as well as potential contaminants like lead from aging pipes.4 Bottled water is also shunned because it is often treated and packaged in plastic.

The Dangers of Untreated Water

While the idea of drinking pure, untouched water may sound appealing, consuming untreated raw water can actually pose some serious health risks. Although it may look clean, natural spring water can contain many dangerous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illnesses.5

Some of the most common waterborne pathogens include:

• Giardia and Cryptosporidium (parasites)

• E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter (bacteria)

• Hepatitis A and norovirus (viruses)6

These microbes can cause a range of unpleasant and even life-threatening illnesses, such as diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, and cholera. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration.7 Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

In addition to microbes, untreated water may also contain harmful chemicals from agricultural runoff, mining operations, and industrial waste. Potential contaminants include nitrates, arsenic, lead, and mercury.5 Long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to kidney problems, nervous system disorders, and certain cancers.

Before modern water treatment, waterborne illnesses were a major public health threat. Diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery killed thousands of people each year.8 Treating drinking water with chlorine and filtration drastically reduced these diseases in developed countries. The CDC considers the disinfection of public water supplies to be one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.9

Lack of Scientific Evidence

Despite the bold health claims made by raw water companies and supporters, there is little scientific evidence that untreated water offers any real health benefits over properly treated tap water. No credible studies have demonstrated that the minerals in raw water are more bioavailable or that the probiotic microbes are beneficial to human health.3

In fact, the World Health Organization states that access to safe drinking-water is essential to health, a basic human right and a component of effective policy for health protection.10 The WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality recommend treatments like filtration and disinfection to ensure water is free of hazardous contaminants.

Regarding the concerns over fluoride, water fluoridation is endorsed by the American Dental Association, American Medical Association, and CDC for preventing tooth decay.11 Over 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that fluoride is safe and effective at preventing cavities when used appropriately.

A Luxury Product with Risks

Beyond the lack of proven benefits and clear risks, the raw water trend highlights issues of privilege and inequality. Raw water is often very expensive, costing over $60 for a 2.5 gallon jug in some cases.4 This prices out lower income people, many of whom already struggle to access clean, affordable drinking water.

There are also environmental concerns, as companies may be illegally collecting spring water and depleting local supplies.12 Transporting heavy glass jugs of water over long distances also has a large carbon footprint compared to drinking local tap water.

For raw water fans who remain skeptical of treated tap water, installing an in-home water filter is a much safer and more affordable option than drinking untreated spring water. Filters can remove contaminants of concern while still preserving minerals.13 Filters should be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to ensure effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

While the raw water trend may be well-intentioned, it is ultimately misguided. The science simply does not support the health claims made about untreated spring water. In fact, drinking raw water can be very risky due to waterborne illnesses and contaminants.

The focus should instead be on ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable, and sustainable drinking water through a well-maintained public treatment and distribution system. Proper water treatment is one of the greatest public health tools we have. We must protect our tap water through investment in infrastructure, regular testing, and enforcing water quality standards.

If you have concerns about your local tap water, look into installing a certified in-home filter rather than turning to expensive and potentially dangerous raw water. Consult with your local water utility and health department if you have questions. By working together to protect our treated water supplies, we can all have access to clean, healthy water straight from the tap.

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