Untreated water is drinking water that has not been chemically treated, filtered, or boiled to eliminate infectious bacteria, viruses, and parasites (such as Giardia lamblia). These organisms can cause diarrhea and illness.
Many infections that result from drinking untreated water go away by themselves after a few days, but some require treatment.
Author:Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Medical Review:William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Last Updated: 05/26/2006
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