[Yaelle]

Admit to not understanding what is and isn’t raw water. European mineral water bottled at a source, is that water raw or not? Is all mineral water boiled and sterilized?

[SJackson]

I’m confused too. Raw water is water in it’s natural state. Rivers, lakes, ponds, rainwater, well water. I’m confused because it’s inconceivable to me it can be sold in that state. You can go out and collect it, but I can’t believe it can be sold without filtration/treatment anywhere in the US. My wellwater is raw water, but I can’t believe I can sell it. IMO it’s a marketing ploy.

[SJackson]

Don't know. Although Wiki has a page on raw water, it seems to be more of a local marketing thing in Silicon Valley. I've never heard of it. A couple links, apparently the FDA regulates standards which most states follow. It's hard to imagine any water bottled in quantity meets standards on an ongoing basis without filtration. https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/augustseptember-2002/bottled-water-regulation-and-the-fda/ http://host.madison.com/business/the-bottled-water-business-is-booming-and-wisconsin-s-in/article_6dfc5ab4-ed8e-532a-ab25-ee5a6d96a0fc.html