Water filtration is super important when camping or in the backcountry. You may have heard stories about backpackers who drink water from clear mountain streams and who miraculously never get sick. However, if you're not an experienced pro, this is not going to work for you! The people who do this have not only luck on their side, but also years of acclimation to the viruses and bacteria found in these water. And unfortunately, with rising water pollution, it is likely that not even people who have drank unfiltered water for decades will be able to do so without getting sick.
When getting water to pump through a water filter, boil, or to add iodine tabs to, lower the number of pathogens by collecting the water from the center of the lakes or streams- away from the shore, where the bacteria and amoebas gather in higher numbers. If possible, collect water from clear, running water sources, as dirt and grit in the water can clog filters and make the filtration process slower. As you look for a water source, be sure to avoid water sources near farmland, livestock grazing areas, latrines/bathrooms, and human activity centers. If you have any questions about water filtration, feel free to ask the staff at any GOPC location!
Tom Valone, Founder