Water Treatment

[Spider]

On a weekend trip in SNP, we needed a water fillup so we checked the map and it showed a spring up ahead. When we got there it was basically a puddle of water - hardly moving. The sign said boil only.

My question is: do you guys use this kind of water? Boil it? Pump it? If so, I guess you'd be using a stove and not a fire?

THANKS!

[Lone Wolf]

i drink it as is

[Hikes in Rain]

Depends. I have a First Need filter that will pretty much render almost any water potable. I don't use it so much anymore in the mountains. For sources such as springs. I often use a MIOX, since all most water needs is a little disinfecting. If I'm going to be cooking with it, I usually don't treat, since it'll be boiled anyway.

Having survived Giardia (from a well in Alaska's Denali Park!), I'm paranoid about water born diseases. I have, however, seen many folks who adopt Lone Wolf's approach with apparently no ill effects.

[Lyle]

That doesn't sound so bad.

Depends on how thirsty I am. Filtering real nasty, muddy water will probably make it potable, but will also shorten the life of you filter substantially due to clogging. A field cleanable filter would be good.

I have drunk from some pretty nasty, cow manure, mule hair, horse slobber filled water sources when necessary without any ill effects. Filtered through a hiking sock, then treated with Iodine.

Short answer, yes I would drink from such a source if necessary. I wouldn't drink it untreated though like LW would. Guess I'm just a wuss.

[superman]

One time I filtered water thru my sock. Damn tasty water.:eek:

[Lone Wolf]

I wouldn't drink it untreated though like LW would. Guess I'm just a wuss.

nothing wrong with taking precautions if you feel the source is unsafe. don't demean yourself

[garlic08]

Lots of variables. I probably would have, but I wasn't there.

Sometimes I'll fill up the bottle without drinking, keep walking and hope to find a better source. Sometimes there's a better spring "just around the bend", just up the hill, or in a few miles. I know I have a higher tolerance for thirst (done some desert hiking over the last few years) than many AT hikers.

I do carry one set of Aquamira, but don't use it unless there are livestock or people upstream.

Happy New Year!