Is the Raw Water Movement Safe? (2024)

We all know that drinking good ol’ H2O is one of the best choices you can make to keep your body healthy. That’s not up for debate.

But what’s coming into question more and more these days is how to make sure the water you’re drinking is safe. Because drinking contaminated water can cause an ocean of troubles.

Some people have become increasingly wary of the tap water in their homes. It’s a concern that’s been exacerbated by news stories about unsafe levels of lead and other contaminants in tap water in a small number of communities.

So, rather than rely on the water that’s piped into their homes, some people are turning to a more off-the-grid solution. One with the potential for dangerous consequences.

It’s becoming a trend to drink untreated spring water, natural water or “raw” water — that’s to say, water in its most natural state. Unfiltered. Unaltered. Just water straight from the ground. Or the spring, lake, creek or wherever you source it.

And that’s cause for concern, says registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, RD, LD.

What are the dangers of drinking untreated spring water and other sources of raw water? Let’s take a deep dive.

Understanding spring water and raw water

The “raw water movement” is all about getting your H2O from sources that don’t rely on public infrastructure. That’s to say, not drinking water that travels through the pipes that come into your home.

That can mean different things to different people. Some raw water enthusiasts recommend setting up troughs to catch rainwater. Or getting specialized equipment to leach water out of the atmosphere. Or filling jugs of water from naturally occurring springs, ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and other bodies of water.

Proponents of raw water will tell you that the water tastes better. That it has all the good minerals and probiotics that get filtered out when water is tested and treated. That it’s natural — and, therefore, better for you.

But here’s the trouble with that logic: Lots of things aren’t good for you in their most natural state. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, but it needs to be cooked to be safe to eat. The fruits and vegetables you buy at the store are made safer by washing them before eating.

Water falls into that category as well: It’s super healthy — but only when treated properly.

“When you choose to drink water that hasn’t been properly tested and filtered, you’re taking a big risk,” Culbertson states. “If you’re looking for an alternative to drinking water straight from your faucet, there are safer ways to do it.”

Commercial spring water vs. DIY

Before you start worrying about that jug of water you bought at the grocery store, though, take a deep breath. When we’re talking about raw water and untreated spring water, the problem lies in water that’s not sold commercially.

Bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It provides oversight to ensure the water you purchase is filtered properly and is free from bacteria and other contaminants.

“When we go buy a bottle of spring water from the store, it’s been thoroughly tested,” Culbertson clarifies. “As long as the company is following the standards they’re supposed to, it’s safe to drink.”

Dangers of untreated water

Safe water is a cornerstone of human health. And access to treated water is widely available in the United States.

Why is water treatment so important? And what makes untreated spring water and raw water so dangerous? Let’s take a look.

Dangerous bacteria

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 2 million people each year die from waterborne illness. That includes bacterial diseases straight out of The Oregon Trail — like cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever. Diseases that are rare in communities with access to modern water treatment practices.

In recapping the United States’ top 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century, the CDC pointed to access to clean water as a pivotal win for controlling infectious diseases.

That’s because the water that comes to your home has been treated to filter and kill off disease-causing bacteria during a multi-step treatment process. During processing, dirt is separated out, germs get filtered out and disinfectants like small amounts of chlorine are added to keep the germs at bay.

But untreated spring water goes through none of those steps. So, any germs that made their way into the water stay there. And they make their way into you.

“Spring water and other sources of untreated water flow through rock material and come into contact with organic material that is a breeding ground for bacteria,” Culbertson explains. “Without proper filtration and decontamination, it can make you very ill.”

Missing fluoride

In the 1960s, adding fluoride became a staple of the water treatment process. That’s because fluoride has been shown to help prevent and reduce the severity of cavities.

Recently, fluoridated water has been at the center of several conspiracy theories. But the CDC notes several studies that show the fluoride in your drinking water benefits your oral health.

Today, the CDC says that more than 72% of the U.S. population that uses community water systems has access to fluoridated water.

But untreated water contains very little naturally occurring fluoride. And it’s not enough to protect your chompers from decay. So, when you drink spring water or other forms of raw water, you’re missing out on this important — and science-backed — benefit.

Alternatives to spring water and raw water

Even knowing the dangers of untreated water, it can be tough for some people to swallow the idea that the water in their faucet is A-OK to drink. After all, you may have heard horror stories about how communities where subpar infrastructure and lax regulation enforcement have affected the quality and safety of local water treatment.

But here’s the thing: These stories grab headlines because they’re not the norm.

“We know that things do happen and can happen that can affect the quality of municipal water,” Culbertson acknowledges. “But it’s rare. And I’d venture to say that drinking raw water is much more likely to pose an imminent threat than the possibility that your locally treated water is contaminated.”

If you don’t like the taste of your home tap water or are concerned about the safety of the water treatment practices in your area, there are safer alternatives than drinking raw water.

Culbertson offers these suggestions to help ensure the water you’re ingesting is safe:

• Get familiar with water treatment practices by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
• Consider using a carbon filtration pitcher in your refrigerator to capture any contaminants that may be left after processing.
• Test your water. There are several products you can buy that can analyze the quality of your water. There are also services where water experts can test your water and help you understand if it’s safe to drink.
• If you source your own spring water, collect it only from higher altitudes, rather than low-lying areas. That might lessen the potential for the water to pick up contaminants on its journey.
• If you purchase spring water, do your research to understand how often their water is tested and confirm that it’s tested by an independent company. Be sure to review the water reports regularly and confirm that the company is following FDA standards for safe bottled water.
• Boil any untreated water before drinking it.
• Never drink water that has an unusual smell, color or taste.

Access to safe water is a human right, recognized by the United Nations. It’s that important for your health. And untreated spring water and raw water aren’t safe options.