Have You Even Been Purifying Your Water?

Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park.

Filtered water goes through a filtering process to remove contaminants, but it's not necessarily considered pure. Purified water also goes through a filtering process, but purification also involves removing additional harmful particles. For example, purified water might have pathogens removed that a filter might miss, such as bacteria and viruses.

Water purification in the backcountry isn't just a matter of convenience; it's an essential safety practice for anyone venturing into remote areas. The wilderness offers stunning landscapes and serenity, but it also poses hidden dangers; some in the water sources that are relied upon for hydration. Unpurified water can contain pathogens such as giardia and other viruses that can lead to serious illness. Understanding the differences between water filters and water purifiers is crucial for safe hydration and in potential instances, for survival.

This article explores the risks of drinking untreated water, including the presence of water viruses and the impact of water turbidity on the effectiveness of purification methods. It compares water filtration with more comprehensive water treatment solutions, such as purification methods.

Risks of Drinking Untreated Water

Waterborne Diseases

Drinking untreated water from natural sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams can expose individuals to a variety of pathogens and potentially, serious health risks. Common waterborne pathogens include protozoa like Giardia, bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, and viruses including Hepatitis A and Norovirus. These microorganisms are often introduced into water sources through human, wildlife, or livestock waste, making even visually clean water potentially dangerous 11.

Symptoms of Infections

The ingestion of contaminated water can result in symptoms typically associated with gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Depending on the pathogen, additional symptoms might include fever, dehydration, and in severe cases, long-term health complications. For example, Giardia infection can cause prolonged diarrhea, fatigue, and malabsorption of nutrients, leading to weight loss and malaise 10. Immediate measures such as maintaining hydration with safe water sources and possibly seeking medical attention are crucial for managing these symptoms effectively.

Comparing Purification Methods

Effectiveness

Water treatment methods vary significantly in their effectiveness against different types of contaminants. Mechanical filtration, commonly used in backcountry settings, effectively removes protozoa and bacteria but, in many cases, not viruses. Activated carbon filtration enhances taste and removes certain chemicals, but it is not sufficient for microbial removal 27. Ultraviolet light purification excels in deactivating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, provided the water is clear, but it does not address chemical pollutants or heavy metals 27. Purification tablets, such as Aquatabs, are effective against the most broad range of pathogens, including viruses.

Regulations and Recommendations

CDC Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidelines for treating water in backcountry and remote settings to ensure it is safe for consumption. Boiling water is recommended as a reliable method to kill all types of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. If it is possible, the CDC advises bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to effectively neutralize these threats.

For situations where boiling is not feasible, and also as a supplement to treated water, the CDC suggests using chemical disinfection, such as purification tablets. Filters that meet NSF Standard 53 or 58 for cyst reduction are capable of removing parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium from water, however, these filters alone may not be effective against all viruses and bacteria. Therefore, following up with a water purification system, which is effective against a broader spectrum of pathogens, is advised for optimal safety 30.

EPA Standards for Water Purity

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulatory standards to ensure water quality that protects human health and the environment. The EPA's Water Quality Standards Handbook outlines the classification of water bodies and the designated uses each classification supports, such as protection and propagation of wildlife, recreational activities, and drinking water supplies. States are required to adopt these standards and may add to their classifications as long as they meet or exceed the minimum federal requirements 31.

The EPA emphasizes the necessity of maintaining high water quality standards to support both direct and indirect uses. For example, water bodies classified under the Clean Water Act for recreational use must meet criteria that protect human health during activities like swimming and boating. The standards also require public involvement, allowing for a public hearing process before any changes to water use classifications are finalized 32.

In addition to specific standards, the EPA provides guidelines on the use of water treatment technologies in backcountry settings. It is noted that while technologies such as UV light and microfiltration can reduce pathogens effectively, factors like water turbidity and the presence of chemical pollutants can influence their effectiveness. The EPA recommends that any water treatment used in the backcountry should be capable of addressing a broad range of contaminants to ensure the safety of the water, and purification systems such as Aquatabs, are capable of achieving this 33.

Case Studies and Research

Survival Incidents

In emergency scenarios, the ability to secure safe and clean water is paramount for survival. Water is a fundamental necessity, and ensuring its purity is crucial to safeguard against waterborne diseases and maintain overall health. During natural disasters and other emergencies, water sources can become compromised, leading to microbial contamination. Drinking untreated water from rivers, lakes, or even tap sources in the aftermath of disasters exposes individuals to harmful pathogens.

Water purification tablets can kill or deactivate harmful microorganisms, providing a crucial means to maintain hydration and support life in constrained conditions.

Long-term Backcountry Studies

Research indicates that even in remote or seemingly pristine environments, water sources may contain microorganisms that can cause illness. For instance, a group on a 12-day canoe trip in the Yukon experienced significant challenges when their UV purifier failed due to depleted batteries. Switching to a mechanical filter, they encountered issues with clogging and eventual breakdown. This story is one of many that stresses the importance of backup systems and reliable and effective water treatment methods, such as purification tablets, in remote settings 40.

Aquatabs

Aquatabs are among the most effective and cheapest water purification tablets available on a price-per-liter basis.

★ Aquatabs disinfect and purify water by eliminating dangerous contaminants like bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites.

★ Aquatabs offers fast treatment- at just 30 minutes, it’s one of the quickest purifying options on the market.

★ Aquatabs are trusted by disaster relief agencies around the world including the United States Agency for International Development.

★ Aquatabs allows you to enjoy safe water from any source, eliminating the need for bottled water in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster where bottled water may not be readily available.

★ Aquatabs are preferred by consumers over other purification methods because of the fresh crisp taste– other methods, such as ones using iodine, must be treated a second time to improve taste.

★ Chlorine ratio-balancing means water stays safe up until the last drop!

FAQs

1. Is a water purifier necessary for backpacking?
Yes, having a water purifier is crucial for backpacking as well as other activities like bikepacking, camping, hiking, and trail running. Ensuring access to clean drinking water in the backcountry is essential, and using an effective and reliable water filter or purifier helps achieve this.

2. What is Giardia? Giardia infection is an intestinal infection marked by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and bouts of diarrhea. Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that is found worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water.