Surface water

River water

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Water flowing in rivers and streams — not safe to drink untreated.

Where it comes from

Surface water from rivers and streams, exposed to the environment along its course.

What it contains

  • Suspended sediment and organic matter
  • Bacteria, viruses and parasites (e.g. Giardia, Cryptosporidium)
  • Run-off pollutants: farm nitrates, sewage, chemicals, microplastics

Benefits

  • The raw source for much treated tap water
  • (Only safe to drink after proper filtration and disinfection)

Cautions

  • Never drink untreated river water — risk of serious infection
  • Must be boiled, filtered and disinfected to be safe

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Drinking-water
  2. UK Drinking Water Inspectorate

Related entries

RainwaterAlkaline waterArtesian waterDeionised waterDistilled waterFiltered water
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