Raw water

Raw water is a term used to describe water that has not been treated, filtered or processed in any way. This type of water can come from a variety of sources, including rainwater, spring water, well water, and surface water. While some people believe that raw water is healthier than treated water, it can also contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals.

Health Risks

Raw water can contain a variety of pathogens that can cause illness. These can include bacteria such as E. coli, viruses such as hepatitis A, and parasites such as Giardia. In addition, raw water can also contain harmful chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. Drinking raw water can therefore lead to a variety of health problems, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and more serious conditions such as hepatitis and giardiasis.

Benefits

Some people believe that raw water has health benefits because it contains minerals that are removed during the treatment process. These can include calcium, magnesium, and potassium. However, the levels of these minerals in raw water are typically very low, and it is generally recommended to obtain these nutrients from a balanced diet rather than from drinking raw water.

Regulation

In many countries, including the United States, the sale of raw water is regulated by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These agencies set standards for the quality of drinking water, and raw water that does not meet these standards cannot be sold.

See Also

• Water purification
• Waterborne diseases
• Water quality

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