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. Last Revised: February
21, 2012 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H.
Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael
O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine To learn more visit
Healthwise.org © 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise,
Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo
are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.