What is Raw Water?

The Truth About Raw Water: Is It Really Better for You?

A new health trend is making waves on the West Coast—raw water, or untreated bottled spring water, selling for as much as $10 per gallon.

Marketed as a "purer" alternative to city-treated water, raw water brands claim their products are free from industrial toxins and rich in beneficial microbes. However, experts—including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)—warn that this trend could pose serious health risks.

Why Is Water Treated in the First Place?

Municipal water treatment has been recognized as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Filtration and disinfection are critical because untreated water can contain:

✔️ Bacteria (such as salmonella)
✔️ Parasites (like giardia and cryptosporidium)
✔️ Viruses (including norovirus)
✔️ Harmful metals and chemicals (such as arsenic and lead)

City water treatment removes both man-made pollutants and naturally occurring contaminants that could otherwise make people sick.

The CDC warns that drinking untreated water—even if it looks clear—can lead to serious gastrointestinal illnesses and long-term exposure risks.

Why Are People Buying Raw Water?

Proponents of raw water argue that sterilization removes natural probiotics and minerals found in spring water. Additionally, concerns over common disinfectants—such as chlorine and fluorine—have led some to believe treated water is unsafe for their families and pets.

While these concerns are understandable, the real solution isn’t untreated water, but rather effective water filtration that removes harmful contaminants without eliminating essential minerals.

The Best Way to Get Clean, Safe Water

Rather than relying on overpriced and unregulated raw water, the best and most cost-effective solution is a reverse osmosis filtration system for your home.

Why Reverse Osmosis?

✔️ Removes contaminants without adding unnecessary chemicals
✔️ Filters out pesticides, bacteria, and harmful metals
✔️ Provides clean, safe water for drinking and cooking
✔️ Eliminates city treatment disinfectants like chlorine

With reverse osmosis, you get pure, great-tasting water without the risks associated with untreated raw water.

Get Expert Water Treatment Advice

Not sure which water filtration option is right for your home? Finken can help!

To learn more about reverse osmosis systems and other water treatment solutions, visit our Contact Page and speak with an expert in your community.