 
Why do we need a drinking water system?
More people are using drinking water systems while camping, backpacking and traveling. Why?
Safety. Unfortunately, most lakes, rivers and streams are full of microorganisms that can make you sick. Drinking water systems can eliminate these contaminants and make the water safer to drink. Protect yourself, because you never know what's in the water.
Freedom. Be self-sufficient with a drinking water system. As long as there is a water source, you can have safe drinking water. And, lightweight drinking water systems won't weigh you down like carrying extra water.
What's really in the water?
Microorganisms are the primary threat in untreated water sources. They may be in any lake, river or stream, even if the water looks clean. Microorganisms generally come from animal waste and may be spread by rain and run-off.
Beware of these 3 types of microorganisms: Protozoa (2 microns and larger) Protozoa are the largest microorganisms. Therefore, they are the easiest to filter out of the water. However, their protective shell makes them resistant to iodine and chlorine treatment alone. One common protozoa, Giardia, causes "Beaver's Fever."
Giardia and Cryptosporidium
Bacteria (.2 microns and larger) Bacteria range in size from 0.2 to 10 microns. Large bacteria may be removed by most microfilters, but smaller bacteria can only be eliminated by a very small micron size microfilter or a purifier. Bacteria are responsible for diseases such as Cholera and Typhoid Fever.
E. coli and Salmonella
Viruses (.004 microns and larger) Viruses are the smallest microorganisms and cannot be reliably removed by filtration. It was traditionally thought that viruses aren't a concern in North America, but that opinion has changed. Wilderness studies suggest that 60% of all back county illnesses are actually caused by bacteria and viruses. Viruses can cause serious health problems, such as Hepatitis, Polio and Norwalk Virus. Viruses can be eliminated from water with purification, chemical disinfection, or boiling.
Hepatitis A, Polio, and Norwalk Virus
"In one of our studies we had over 10,000 samples from streams all across America, Alaska to Arizona, and we didn't find one without Giardia."
Chuck Hibler, Colorado State University. Backpacker Magazine, December 1996
What is the best way to make water safe to drink?
Purifying:
Combines chemical disinfection with filtration to eliminate all three types of microorganisms.
Boiling:
Bring the water to a full boil to kill microorganisms. requires energy source and takes time.
Iodine Tablets:
Add 1 or 2 tablets per quart and wait 20 minutes to kill the microorganisms. Takes time and adds foul taste. limited effectiveness against Giardia and not effective against Cryptosporidium.
Filtering:
Microfilters may remove protozoa and most bacteria. Doesn't remove viruses. May require frequent cleaning due to clogging.
How do I choose a drinking water system?
Use the Drinking Water Safety Guide to help you choose the best products for your needs. It organizes drinking water systems according to the #1 concern: safe water.
Drinking Water Safety Guide
Water System Microorganisms Eliminated Microbiological Micro Rating
PROTECTION LEVEL No. 1 PURIFIER Eliminates Viruses, Bacteria and Giardia .004
PROTECTION LEVEL No. 2 MICROFILTER Eliminates Giardia and Most Bacteria 0.2 to 1.0
PROTECTION LEVEL No. 3 FILTER Eliminates Giardia 1.0 to 4.0
Purifiers: #1 highest safety rating Eliminates Viruses, Bacteria and Giardia, no matter what micron size
Microfilters: #2 safety rating Eliminates Giardia and Most Bacteria, depending on their micron size.
Filters #3 safety rating Only eliminates Giardia and microorganisms larger than 1 micron.
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