Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Collecting water
Because we grow up believing that we can only
drink water that comes out of a tap or a bottle, it's
easy for many of us to imagine that drinking water
from a stream is fraught with danger. But in most
situations, a simple purifying method should
reassure you that your water is safe.
• When collecting water from a stream, choose
streams where no human or animal impact is
apparent, preferably from a stream flowing from an
area where human or animal travel would be
unlikely.
• If you're taking water from a lake, avoid areas
trampled by animals. Wade out if necessary.
There are several ways to purify water:
Boiling Although it's a bit inconvenient and wasteful
of energy, bringing water to a boil will kill all
waterborne pathogens. Vintage guidelines advise
boiling water for a minute or longer, but bringing
water to a boil will safely disinfect it.
Water filters Pumping water by hand through a very
fine filter removes bacteria and parasites, but not
waterborne viruses.
Chemicals This means adding either iodine or
chlorine to water. The warmer the water the better
they work, so colder water has to stand longer
Collect water from the
clearest running source
before purifying it.
