Water purification help!!!

[nwoodworth1390]

Ok so after reading about the water issues in Montana, and countless other articles on water pollution and filtration ive decided that im completely confused.

Ive always just filled my water bottle up at the local stream, boiled it, and drank my fill. But apparently that is very dangerous with all the farmer's chemical run off and such that boiling will not cure.

So my question is: Do regular pump backpacking filters take out those chemicals? I keep reading all these things about killing protozoan cysts, bacteria, and viruses but nothing about taking chemicals out of the water. If not, what do you recommend? I take 5-10day outings into the bush and obviously have to have water, so whats a guy to do?

 

[Mountain Wildman]

I carry the First Need XL, Removes the usual bacteria, cysts, giardia etc... and chemicals.
http://generalecology.com/category/portable/product/first_need_xl_portable_water_purifier-new

 

[Sides]

So my question is: Do regular pump backpacking filters take out those chemicals? I keep reading all these things about killing protozoan cysts, bacteria, and viruses but nothing about taking chemicals out of the water. If not, what do you recommend? I take 5-10day outings into the bush and obviously have to have water, so whats a guy to do?

The answer to the first part, is no. The filters do not take out chemicals. As for the bacteria and viruses. I use a filter and a Steri Pen. The filter takes out sediment, and thr pen kills the swimming meanies that will make you sick. I carry the water treatment pills as backup, just in case the Steri Pen fails. I don't like the iodine taste, that is why they are backup. I use that in the Boundary Waters and when I am out west fishing. It has worked for me so far. Just be careful where you draw water from.

 

[dogman]

I've got an msr mini filter that i've never used, as like nwood, i'm confused, so resorted to carrying water. However i've just been reading about the lifesaver bottle, and hearing about "real people" & how they use it, these seem to be worth a closer look.

Rob

 

[180deg Out]

Sounds like the steps you are taking are adequate. Now for your peace of mind, take a sample of water from a couple of the places you frequent and take them to your local County Extension Agent, Water Quality Board, etc and have them tested. Generally the risks of chemical ie. industrial or agricultural contamination are not to be as feared as the hype put out by well meaning groups. No industry or farming in your area then not a problem. Upstream contamination is greatly diluted and may reach generally safe levels by the time it gets to you. Test before you panic. Won't debate safe levels as to some anything is unsafe but they still drink their tapwater.

 

[makobytes]

Not all water filters are created equal. However, if your filter has charcoal contained within it. Then it will filter out chemicals. After some time and use the filter cartrige will need to be replaced, because it can and will build up bacteria. In a home use enviroment, the recommended change out for a charcaol infused filter, is every 3 months. So, for a backpacking and camping filter, it should last a long time. But it is best to dry it out as well as possible, to minimize bacteria contamination. Other filters, such as paper, or ceramic (not containing charcaol) are fine for removing bacteria, but not chemicals. Hope this is helpful. Mac

 

[Sides]

Not all water filters are created equal. However, if your filter has charcoal contained within it. Then it will filter out chemicals. After some time and use the filter cartrige will need to be replaced, because it can and will build up bacteria. In a home use enviroment, the recommended change out for a charcaol infused filter, is every 3 months. So, for a backpacking and camping filter, it should last a long time. But it is best to dry it out as well as possible, to minimize bacteria contamination. Other filters, such as paper, or ceramic (not containing charcaol) are fine for removing bacteria, but not chemicals. Hope this is helpful. Mac

Depending on the nature of the farmland, the agents used in agriculture will be washed out more or less quickly, entering the groundwater or being flushedinto surface waters. Traces of DDT have even been detected in mountain lakeshigh above any agricultural activity. According to one study, the chemical DDTwas introduced through evaporated water that fell as rain in the mountains. But most agrochemicals are organic and can be readily removed by activated carbon absorption

This quote is from Katadyn. Most chemicals are removed with activated carbon, not all.


[URL]http://www.katadyn.com/fileadmin/user_upload/katadyn_products/Downloads/Water_Guide_EN.pdf[/URL]

 

[Seeker]

maybe this is bad logic, but the way i see it, chemicals will get you long term, unseen. bugs will get you short term, and you'll definitely know it if you catch one. so i worry only about bugs... and i'm interested in killing them the easiest, cheapest, fastest, lightest way... that makes me a chemical purifier, and my two favorites are polar pure (iodine chrystals, hopefully soon to be produced again) and aqua mira (oxygen-based, which requires mixing two different chemicals).

 

[Old Philosopher]

... So my question is: Do regular pump backpacking filters take out those chemicals? I keep reading all these things about killing protozoan cysts, bacteria, and viruses but nothing about taking chemicals out of the water. If not, what do you recommend? I take 5-10day outings into the bush and obviously have to have water, so whats a guy to do?

There are "filters" and then there are "purifiers". A filter will take out the chunks, and bacteria. Purifiers (a good one) will eliminate 98.9% of almost anything generally encountered.

So if you want to eliminate chemicals and heavy metals, look for a water purification system. That will solve half the confusion. Then it's just a matter of comparing specs between the different brands to find the best one you feel you can afford.

 

[azmike9]

I just wanted to say thanks for all the good info.

 

[Gurthy]

There are "filters" and then there are "purifiers". A filter will take out the chunks, and bacteria. Purifiers (a good one) will eliminate 98.9% of almost anything generally encountered.

So if you want to eliminate chemicals and heavy metals, look for a water purification system. That will solve half the confusion. Then it's just a matter of comparing specs between the different brands to find the best one you feel you can afford.

Just wanted to say thanks for a great post OP! That is a great answer and advice. The difference between a filter and a purifier is subtle but important.

 

[Gurthy]

But apparently that is very dangerous with all the farmer's chemical run off and such that boiling will not cure.

I also needed a treatment solution primarily to address farm runoff and other man-made nasties in the water, so I was recommended to get a purifier with a carbon component to the filter. I ended up with MSR MiniWorks EX... not the lightest setup and you must avoid freezing the ceramic filter, but it gets almost all of the chemicals out of the water, is relatively rugged, and you can get lots of use from the cartridge before replacing it.

I just got a Berkey Sport bottle which is a purifier in a bottle. It removes 99.9% of nasties including chemicals. This will be my goto solution for longer day hikes or even short overnighters from now on. Lighter and less maintenance than the MSR purifier, but it also only does 32 oz at a time.

For emergencies I have a Aquamira Frontier Pro straw in my large survival kit.. it is only a filter, but it has carbon so I hope it will grab most chemicals if I need to use it.