I argue that nature should neither be considered cruel nor should it be romanticized. All the characteristics we attribute to nature are ultimately human attributes.
Of course, but applying these attributes makes it sometimes easier to make a point.
We do the same with other products. It is a status symbol. Just like a Porsche or a perfume.
There is one difference though: an expensive car or perfume doesn't hurt anybody, if handled correctly. Raw water which might be contaminated is different in that regard. Even if it is not being sold, people still might get ill, if they drink untreated water.
Oh, very much so, I agree. I often use exaggeration as a stylistic device as well as putting subjective attributes on objects. When I , for example, say that "the river gushed merrily down the mountain, I create a feeling of lightness or I let "a volcano broil and spit aggressively" I give it an angry mood. Advertising can do this particularly well by ascribing chocolate bars to happiness etc.
Consuming things from the woods or the waters without knowing what they could do to me, like eating berries or mushrooms, I should only do when I am skilled in moving in raw nature.
Indeed, those who maybe felt tempted to drink the new untreated water can be happy to have been given your information.
But: I would think that some people may not read your article only the headline, and it hopefully does not stick to them as a fact which is absolute true. Because raw water does not kill.