14 Mar Care For a Glass of Raw Water?

A recent Washington Post article discussed the growing market for raw water – straight from nature containing “the things nature intended without the chemicals, such as chlorine, often used in urban water treatment processes.”

Who would have thought that in 2018, more than 100 years after scientists discovered the importance of treating water to address sometimes deadly waterborne disease, that we would see a “health” trend praising raw water and vilifying ozonation, UV treatment, or microfiltration. The claim is that the mineral content of raw water is more robust, serving as a natural probiotic.

There is plenty of media and online coverage, from every perspective, about this topic and what on earth people are thinking. We won’t take more space addressing that debate. What we will say is that, once again, nationally-covered – and often misinformed – stories about water provide an opportunity to showcase the excellent service utilities are providing to ensure safe, sustainable water supplies. The water profession, made up of scientists, regulators and engineers and utility experts – whether urban, suburban, rural or otherwise – have a remarkable story to tell about protecting public health. As some tout the benefits of untreated, raw water, expert voices need to be equally pronounced, taking pride in the important work our industry professionals do every day not only to meet requirements, but to exceed them and search for new and even more advanced technologies to continue raising the protection bar.

After 30 years of communicating about important water issues, I can say that while the issues ebb and flow, one solution remains at the forefront: Tell your story. Be a part of the conversation. Correct misinformation. And share with pride what you do, and be honest about the challenges you face and the solutions you’re implementing.

There is an abundance of information out there about water. Don’t let others take up important information space that you should occupy