One of the most important tasks that an outdoor enthusiast may face is properly treating water for drinking.

It's difficult, if not impossible, to carry an adequate supply of water with you on anything more than a day hike and most backpackers, paddlers and others rely on backcountry water sources for their hydration. The trouble is that almost all surface waters have microorganisms that, in high enough concentrations, will cause illness. The clear, cool water coming down from a waterfall may seem safe and refreshing but it may also contain nasty pathogens that can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious illness. Since there's no practical way to test the water for microbes, it's best to assume the water is contaminated and treat it.

Pathogen Soup
Contaminants can take the form of microbes, chemicals or heavy metals. Generally speaking, microbes cause the most concern when treating wilderness water. Microbes, measured in microns (millionths of a meter), are usually divided into three categories based on their size - protozoa, bacteria and viruses.

Treatment Options
The two terms most often associated with treating water is filtering and purifying. You'll find a healthy assortment of filters and purifiers available, each with individual advantages and disadvantages. You'll need to decide what works best for your particular activity and location. Day hikers may want to keep some chlorine dioxide tablets on hand for emergencies, while backpackers will want a pump filter for daily use.

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