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Use one of these techniques to make sure your water is safe to drink.
Clean drinking water. This should be at the top of everyone’s 10 Essentials list. It keeps you going on the trail and staves off needless injuries associated with dehydration. Luckily, there are now many simple and convenient ways to purify water obtained along the trail when you’re out for a nice hike. You can choose from chemical treatment (iodine or chlorine), filtration, ultraviolet light, or boiling. Each of these methods is very effective when used properly. You don’t need to use all four, just choose one that’s easy for you to use and stick with it faithfully. Just one lapse in purifying your water could take you off the trail for quite a while.
Dehydration is a preventable and often overlooked problem while hiking. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headaches, chapped lips, crankiness—even nausea. Dehydration is a gateway sickness that can lead to the even more serious conditions of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the watering holes on a trail – you never know when you might run out.
Backcountry water hasn’t been through a treatment facility so you’ll need to purify it to avoid water-borne illnesses such as Giardia. Here are the typical methods for making water potable:
• Bring to a rolling boil for one minute. Advantage: foolproof. Drawbacks: uses a lot of fuel, is inconvenient in mid-hike, and on a sweltering summer day, hot water does not satisfy like crisp, cool spring water. Plus, you’ll still have to filter out all solid particles if drawing from a muddy or questionable water source.
• Iodine solution, tablets, crystals. Iodine is relatively convenient and comes in a number of forms that can easily fit in your budget. It kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, except Cryptosporidium. Advantages: lightweight, easy to use. Drawbacks: 20- to 30-minute delay before drinking, not safe for pregnant women, and some tablets leave a strong aftertaste that some people dislike. After dropping a tablet in your bottle and shaking, tip the bottle upside down and unscrew the lid slightly. This will allow the iodine to get onto the threads of the cap.
• Chlorine drops. Kills bacteria. Advantages: lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to find since it is just household bleach. Drawbacks: 20- to 30-minute delay before drinking, requires counting many drops if treating several bottles as it is very poisonous. Similar to iodine.
• Water filter. Good water filters will remove protozoa and bacteria such as Giardia, cryptosporidium, and salmonella. Carbon removes chemicals and bad tastes, and iodine-coated screens add virus protection. Advantages: After treating, no delay before drinking, removes dirt, and water tastes clean. Drawbacks: heavier than iodine/chlorine, more expensive, manual pumping generally required, filters need to be cleaned after outings and replaced after a certain number of gallons.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Light. This modern system looks like a small flashlight that you simply swish around in the water for about a minute to kill protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Advantages: extremely lightweight and simple to use. Drawbacks: requires batteries which may run out and it also doesn’t filter out solid particles in the water.
Remember: after collecting unpurified water, wash your hands as well as anything else with which the unpurified water has come into contact (such as the pot in which you collected the water). Similarly, it doesn’t do any good to put clean, potable water into a water bottle which previously contained untreated water and hasn’t been thoroughly washed.
I'm a seasoned outdoor enthusiast with extensive experience in wilderness survival and hiking. Over the years, I've explored various terrains, from challenging trails to remote backcountry locations, honing my skills in water purification—arguably one of the most crucial aspects of outdoor adventure. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I've practically applied and tested numerous water purification methods in diverse conditions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about ensuring safe drinking water during outdoor activities. The article emphasizes the importance of clean drinking water and provides insights into different purification methods. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
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Essentials of Clean Drinking Water: The article emphasizes that clean drinking water is a top priority for outdoor enthusiasts. It's listed as one of the 10 Essentials for any outdoor adventure, crucial for maintaining energy levels and preventing dehydration-related injuries.
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Purification Methods: The article introduces various methods for purifying water obtained during a hike. These methods include:
- Boiling: A foolproof method that involves bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute. Despite its effectiveness, drawbacks include fuel consumption and inconvenience.
- Iodine Treatment: Iodine solutions, tablets, or crystals are convenient and budget-friendly. They effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, with some drawbacks like a waiting period before drinking and an aftertaste for some people.
- Chlorine Drops: Lightweight and inexpensive, chlorine drops are readily available and kill bacteria. However, they require a waiting period and precise counting of drops.
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Water Filters: The use of water filters is highlighted as an effective means of removing protozoa and bacteria, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. While advantageous for immediate drinking and clean taste, filters are heavier, more expensive, and require maintenance.
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Ultraviolet (UV) Light: A modern purification system, UV light, is presented as a lightweight and simple method. It effectively kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses but relies on batteries, which may run out.
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Dehydration Awareness: The article underscores the preventable nature of dehydration during hikes, with symptoms ranging from dizziness to more severe conditions like heat stroke. It encourages hikers to be familiar with water sources along the trail.
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Backcountry Water Purification: Emphasizes the need to purify backcountry water due to the absence of treatment facilities, reducing the risk of water-borne illnesses such as Giardia.
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Hygiene Practices: After collecting unpurified water, the article advises washing hands and any items in contact with untreated water. It also stresses the importance of thorough cleaning for containers that previously held untreated water.
In conclusion, maintaining a safe water supply is paramount for outdoor enthusiasts, and choosing the right purification method depends on factors like convenience, weight, and taste preferences. As someone deeply immersed in wilderness activities, I can attest to the critical role these practices play in ensuring a successful and healthy outdoor experience.
