raw water

[ raw waw-ter, wot-er ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raw water¹

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

By such means a good deal of practical educational work was done, and the danger of men drinking raw water thereby reduced.

From Project Gutenberg

The raw water from the pumps is carried to the filters through riveted steel rising mains which have 20‑in.

From Project Gutenberg

During the winter the effluent contains 3% of the turbidity of the raw water, and in summer only 0.3 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

The general conditions, with the exception of the raw water supply, were approximately the same in all four districts.

From Project Gutenberg

Filters furnish relative, not absolute, protection against infectious matter in the raw water.

From Project Gutenberg