Treating Water While Camping

Clear water can still contain harmful germs. If your trip depends on untreated water, choose a treatment method before leaving, practice with it, and carry its instructions. Keep untreated water and equipment away from clean bottle openings.

CDC recommends bringing clear water to a rolling boil for one minute, or three minutes above 6,500 feet, then allowing it to cool. If boiling is impractical, CDC recommends filtering and then disinfecting. Follow the product's directions, including contact time. CDC backcountry water treatment

Do not assume every filter removes the same things. Read the actual organism-removal claims: a filter that handles parasites or bacteria may not handle viruses. Disinfection methods also have limitations. Water that contains harmful chemicals or toxins cannot be made safe by boiling or disinfecting; find another source. A generic camping filter should not be assumed to remove chemical contamination either. CDC backcountry water treatment

For trip planning, work backward from how you will use the water. Will you need a batch for dinner immediately, or can you wait for treatment? Is there enough fuel for boiling as well as cooking? Can the group operate the equipment if the person who packed it is unavailable?

Keep a backup supply from a known safe source for a short car-camping trip. Stop and reconsider if the expected source is dry, posted unsafe, or suspect. The water storage guide covers containers, and the main camping guide connects the water plan to meals and sanitation.