raw water

American  

[raw waw-ter, wot-er] / ˈrɔ ˈwɔ tər, ˈwɒt ər /

noun

1. untreated, unfiltered water from the ground, lakes, rivers, etc.: raw water collected from springs has been bottled and marketed as the most natural, healthy drinking water, but there is concern among water testers and health officials over the potential presence of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

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Etymology

Origin of raw water

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Some also claim that raw water contains probiotics that are removed from tap water.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2025

Toxoplasma gondii can also lurk in raw water and can cause miscarriage or birth defects if consumed during pregnancy.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2025

"The water treatment works that extract water from Lough Neagh are designed for the removal of algae that may be present in the raw water," it said.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2024

The Philadelphia water department “has analyzed a variety of samples from the river and raw water basin using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography,” city officials said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2023

They also show that this turbidity may be easily and certainly removed by the application of coagulant to the raw water during the occasional periods when its character is such as to require it.

From Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, vol. LXXII, June, 1911 Water Purification Plant, Washington, D. C. Results of Operation. by Hardy, E. D.