Back Country Water

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BACK COUNTRY WATER
Do not drink untreated water from lakes, rivers or streams, even if crystal clear. A number of micro organisms can cause illness for hikers and campers.

BOILING; bring water to a full, rolling boil for at least 3 minutes (5 to 10 minutes for elevations above 5,000 feet).

PROBLEM; flat taste, no removal of debris from the water; fuel is required; water must be cooled before you drink it.

A small group of us have traveled many of the waterways of the west, we carry oak kegged water for drinking and boil water for washing campwares and equipage. We bathe in these rivers and have been very lucky not to have had any problems yet. If limited for space figure about two quarts per person a day, if possible go with three quarts per person per day, and have resources available to refill your supply on longer trips.

IODINE CRYSTALS & TABLETS; available in recreational stores, shelf life printed on the container is very important, many are only dated with a 6 month useable date. Most with current dates are effective and convenient.

PROBLEM; slight change in the taste; no removal of debris from the water; does not kill cryptosporidium (systemic infection caused by fungus).

FILTERS; best systems have replaceable filters that can be removed and cleaned or replaced. Some filters screen out all organisms over 0.5 microns, which takes care of giardia cysts. Some filters screen down to 0.2 microns and eliminate cocci, protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Some remove cryptosporidium.

PROBLEM; cleaning or disposal of used elements; cost. Filters are probably not effective against viruses such as hepatitis A.

NOTE
If you have diarrhea or stomach cramps that last more than several days, call a doctor.

SOURCES:
REI, Seattle; EPA, Groundwater & Drinking Water Branch



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