[Shoobee]

Originally Posted by Jeepergeo

Anywhere people or animals have gone, there is a chance for biological or organic contamination. It only takes a little contamination to mess you up, and there is no visual test to tell the difference between safe and likely safe water. So unless it comes from a municipal tap, you take a risk if you don't treat the water.

Boiling is effective for biological contaminants, but not organics like pesticides. At altitude, 5 minutes is a common recommendation.

Mixed oxidant is effective on biological contaminants but not organics, but needs sufficient contact time, usually 30 minutes. MiOx is best, but chlorine will work well in a pinch.

Filters work pretty well on organics, but may miss biologicals like virus. MSR makes a filter and includes MiOx drops to knock off the biologicals...a nice combination.

A filter would not stop a virus, correct.

But viruses normally need to be spread by blood to open cut transmission (the origin of AIDS from monkeys to monkey hunters), or person to person (the common influenze virus), or animal to person (in China where the influenza viruses get their start).

Viruses cannot survive in water alone.

[mcb]

Most organisms grow and thrive in the temperature range between 40-140 degrees. 165 degrees kills just about everything. By the time you get to a rolling boil everything is dead.

A post above mentions boiling canned goods for 10 minutes. This applies to home canned goods. If the can or jar is not properly sanitized prior to canning, it is prime for botulism. It is the toxin not the bacteria that makes you sick. It grows in a non oxygen environment. This us why its a good idea to throw away bulging or dented canned goods.

[JTJ]

And dont melt yellow snow.

[JonM]

http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/handbook/purify.htm

Purifying Household Water
The treatments described below work only in situations where the water is unsafe because of the presence of bacteria or viruses. If you suspect the water is unsafe because of chemicals, oils, poisonous substances, sewage or other contaminants, do not use the water for drinking.


Storing water safely

Store one gallon of water per person per day.

Store at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Collect the water from a safe supply.

Thoroughly washed plastic containers such as soft drink bottles are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.

Seal water containers tightly, label with date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Replace water every six months.

Never reuse a container that contained toxic materials such as pesticides, solvents, chemicals, oil or antifreeze.

Water purification

There are two primary ways to treat water: boiling and adding bleach. If tap water is unsafe because of water contamination (from floods, streams or lakes), boiling is the best method.

Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling or adding bleach.

Filter water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheese cloth or a cotton plug in a funnel.

Boiling

Boiling is the safest way to purify water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil for one minute.

Let the water cool before drinking.

Purifying by adding liquid chlorine bleach

If boiling is not possible, treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox or Purex. Household bleach is typically between 5 percent and 6 percent chlorine. Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.

Place the water (filtered, if necessary) in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach according to the table below.

Mix thoroughly and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before using (60 minutes if the water is cloudy or very cold).

Treating Water with a 5-6 Percent Liquid Chlorine Bleach Solution
Volume of Water to be Treated/ Treating Clear / Treating cold or Cloudy Water:

1 quart-1 liter / 3 drops / 5 drops
1/2 gallon-2 quarts/2 liters / 5 drops / 10 drops
1 gallon / 1/8 teaspoon / 1/4 teaspoon
5 gallons / 1/2 teaspoon / 1 teaspoon
10 gallons / 1 teaspoon / 2 teaspoons

its wise to always include a gallon of bleach in your survival gear. if you cant get a fire going or dont have a container capable of boiling water bleach is an excellent substitute

[tCan]

By the time you get to 185 degrees, it's safe.

[c3shooter]

Have drunk from glaciers, rivers, streams, swamps, mud puddles, and rice paddies (when real thirsty, hold nose, drink)

Do not assume that altitude has removed ALL biohazards. Birds fly higher than you are. Have been at 14000 feet and looked up at birds.

Yes, getting water to a boil kills biohazards. Chemical additives such as chlorine or hyper iodide kills MANY of the biohazards- but some it takes time to kill (Giardia, liver flukes). I use a PUR Katadyn filter good for 0.3 microns, keep iodine tabs with canteen JIC.

CHEMICAL contamination is another matter.

Of course, there is the old school additive for purification.........

[Shoobee]

Originally Posted by c3shooter

Have drunk from rivers, streams, swamps, mud puddles, and rice paddies (when real thirsty, hold nose, drink)

Do not assume that altitude has removed ALL biohazards. Birds fly higher than you are. Have been at 14000 feet and looked up at birds.

Yes, getting water to a boil kills biohazards. Chemical additives such as chlorine or hyper iodide kills MANY of the biohazards- but some it takes time to kill (Giardia, liver flukes). I use a PUR Katadyn filter good for 0.3 microns, keep iodine tabs with canteen JIC.

CHEMICAL contamination is another matter.

Of course, there is the old school additive for purification.........

Attachment 45095

C3 you are definitely a manly man. Nice beverage list.

I cannot drink that rot-gut on backpack trips however.

I therefore normally plan my backpack trips around natural springs.

And for hikes I bring my water (usually Gatoraide actually) with me.

[Mosin]

Ive never encountered a situation where the water was so scarce that I couldn't boil it for long periods. I boil for 10-15 minutes.

[Shoobee]

Originally Posted by Mosin

Ive never encountered a situation where the water was so scarce that I couldn't boil it for long periods. I boil for 10-15 minutes.

I have.

Whenever I go to Cozumel or Cancun or LaPaz or Cabo, I only drink Corona's. No time to boil anything then. And dare not drink the water.

[Mosin]

Originally Posted by Shoobee

I have.

Whenever I go to Cozumel or Cancun or LaPaz or Cabo, I only drink Corona's. No time to boil anything then. And dare not drink the water.

Yeah, okay. I give you that. I was in Rosarito and only drank Pacifico.