Water purification poll

[rebel]

How do you purify your water when out and about?

I use a Katadyn filter but, I also carry chemicals for a back up.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

So far all I have is this and some water purification tablets. I am really counting on this poll to give me an idea as to what I need to get!!

[Ken]

http://katadyn.cust.shopatron.com/media/dimg/26b1e724a1acc7eccbb0b551c7388682.jpg?l=1&w=210&h=270 (http://shop.katadyn.com/media/dimg/26b1e724a1acc7eccbb0b551c7388682.jpg?l=1)
Katadyn Pocket

"The classic. This robust water filter made of heavy duty materials is ideal for long lasting continuous use even under extreme circumstances. The silver impregnated ceramic element is effective against bacteria and protozoa. The Katadyn Pocket is the only water filter with a 20 year warranty. Includes: Prefilter, bottle clip and carry bag." http://www.katadyn.com/usen/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-water-filters-endurance-series-products/katadyn-pocket-usa/

[Sourdough]

I live where the water is pure. I just drink it straight from the creek or lake. I have never filtered water, never treated water, and rarely drank city water.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I live where the water is pure. I just drink it straight from the creek or lake. I have never filtered water, never treated water, and rarely drank city water.

Wish I had your water!!

[SARKY]

First we have denote a difference between filter and purifier. A filter for the most part will not get rid of viruses. A purifier will.
So, I us an MSR MiniWorksII to filter my water. If it realy bad water, I treat with tablets then filter.

[Pict]

Home made filter and chlorine tablets I buy in Brazil.

[Rick]

MSR Sweetwater with chemical pills as a backup.

[RichJ]

Katadyn Hiker. Small, lightweight and works like a champ.

[dscrick]

Katadyn Filter and purification tabs

[red lake]

Katadyn Combi or Boil

[Larec]

Our water is very clean so filtering it wouldnt be necessary, i would suggest boiling it though, just to be on the safe side.

[red lake]

It's not about clean, it's about what else lives in that water.

Beavers carry Giardia

Then there is Cryptospor... (sp?)

These all come from the pristine northern Lakes.

The crisp cool mountain stream may have a rotting goat in it 100 yards upstream.

Filter or don't filter, I don't care, but don't be fooled into thinking the water you drink is not prone to these issues.

[Rick]

And it's not just about what lives in the water but the abundance of them. You might drink the water 100 times and be fine then a giardia bloom or similar incident or that goat lands face first in the water and the 101st time will drop you.

[TomChemEngineer]

If the water is clear, I use Clorox Bleach- Unscented...2 or 3 drops per quart or liter, shake and and let it sit for a while...30 minutes if possible.
I also have a MSR Miniworks in the Alicepack center pocket, but I generally just use the Clorox in clear water.
Clorox is a great general purpose disinfectant to have around.
If the water is cruddy (a technical term) I would consider filtering it through some close weave fiber or filterpaper before either Chlorinating it or putting it through the MSR, but I generally find pretty clear water someplace.

[Ken]

The crisp cool mountain stream may have a rotting goat in it 100 yards upstream.

Which is EXACTLY why I ALWAYS walk 100 yards upstream to check for rotting goats BEFORE I drink the untreated water. :innocent:

[rebel]

Poll is closed.

[finallyME]

Chlorine Dioxide. Never Iodine.

[wareagle69]

hmmm, i was thinking about this yesterday as i was cleaning out the racoon cages, you see i have rehabed a fair amount of animals in the last few years and one thing i have noticed is how many of the urinate or deficate in the water to hide their scent, now i used to drink from water (fast moving) w/o giving it much though. if i need water i have boiled and used the katadyn pills, but as i get older i think more and am willing to make a few changes, i think in 2010 i will most likely add a water filter to my pack