Raw Water

Raw water—unfiltered, untreated spring water sold at premium prices—became a Silicon Valley status symbol despite carrying real risks of bacterial contamination. Science does not support the alleged benefits. A 2023 CDC report cited 18 outbreaks linked to untreated water, in stark contrast to the 0.2% contamination rate of municipal tap water. At $30 per gallon, raw water costs 60 times more than the average bottled water, yet offers zero proven health advantages and is actually less safe than #4 Alkaline Water, which at least undergoes some processing to remove basic pollutants.