The newest movement flowing through society is “raw water,” the idea that drinking water should contain the things they say nature intended without the chemicals, such as chlorine, often used in urban water treatment processes. Proponents say that “raw water” is brimming with “beneficial bacteria” as well as minerals.
However, it may not be as safe to drink as proponents might want you to think. Experts say that raw water may also contain dangerous bacteria, viruses and parasites that can make you sick. Vince R. Hill, who heads the Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that while he is glad people are interested in water quality and safe water, he thinks it’s “also important for people to know where their water comes from, what’s in it, how it’s delivered and whether it’s safe to drink.” Federal law requires the Environmental Protection Agency to put in place certain standards so that all tap water is safe to drink, and the Food and Drug Administration regulates water that is bottled and sold to consumers. But raw water — and the safety of it — is up to you.
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