Filtering vs. Purifying: How to Avoid a Water Fiasco While Traveling
Imagine this: you’re hiking in the stunning Banff National Park, soaking in the mountain views and the fresh air. You dip your water bottle into the crystal-clear Lake Louise, thinking, “Ah, this water is as pure as the driven snow.” Little do you know, your stomach might be in for an unplanned vacation!
Or picture this: you’re on a safari in Ghana, enjoying the sights of majestic elephants and graceful antelopes. The hotel promises you tap water that’s safe to drink. The phrase “safe to drink” should probably come with an asterisk and a disclaimer if you’re not careful!
Clean drinking water is more important than the last slice of pizza at a party. But when should you just filter it and when should you go the extra mile and purify it? Let’s dive in before your trip turns into a bathroom adventure!
- Sip water through this filter from any source to make water safe to drink
- Removes 99.9% Of Waterborne Bacteria And 99.9% Of Waterborne Parasites
- Removes Microplastics
- Filter Will Provide 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons)
- Compact handheld ultraviolet light (UV) water purifier designed specifically for outdoor/expedition use.
- Destroys over 99.9% of harmful bacteria, viruses and protozoa
- Doesn’t alter taste, pH, or other water properties.
- Weighs only 3.8 ounces with batteries.
- PURIFY WATER ANYWHERE: Simply – Fill. Press. Drink!
- REMOVES ALL PATHOGENS
- FILTERS & CLEANS
- UNRIVALED SPEED & EASE: Purifies 24 oz (710ml) of water.
- EMERGENCY PREPARATION: be ready for any natural disaster, water emergency, or survival situation.
- Aquatabs removes 99.9999% of Bacteria, 99.99% of Viruses, and 99.9% of Cysts (Giardia).
- Simply add one 397mg Aquatab tablet to 4 gallons of water and wait 30 minutes.
- Tablets are easy to store in a disaster kit or bugout bag.
- Aquatabs-treated water has no unpleasant taste, color, or odor unlike iodine-based products.
Filtering vs. Purifying: The Showdown
So you’re wondering what “treating” water actually means. Think of it like this: filtering is the first line of defense, while purifying is the overachiever with a badge of honor.
- Filters:
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- Filters: These are like the bouncers at the club of clean water. They kick out the protozoan cysts (like Giardia lamblia) and bacteria (such as Cholera) that might ruin your outdoor escapade. Filters also remove those annoying bits of dirt and plastic that you don’t want to sip with your morning tea.
- Purifiers: These guys are the secret agents. They go after the sneaky viruses like hepatitis A and norovirus that are too small for most filters to catch. It’s like having a security team that ensures no viral party crashers get through.
Situation 1: Backpacking in Banff
You’re trekking through Banff, Canada. The wilderness is beautiful but sparsely populated, which means fewer opportunities for humans to pollute the water. In this case, your trusty filter might be enough. Just remember, not all filters are created equal. Some are like fine-tuned race cars (0.1 microns), while others are like standard SUVs (0.2 microns). Choose wisely!
Jeff Weinstein, our resident water guru, warns against just dunking a filter into any old water and drinking it without a second thought. It’s a recipe for disaster and a potential emergency evacuation. Aim for water sources that are as clean as a whistle, with no critters having their own water party upstream.
Situation 2: Hotel Tap Water in Ghana
Here’s the scoop: in Ghana, sanitation might be more “adventurous” than you’re used to. When you’re staying at a hotel, don’t just assume the tap water is like spring water from a mountain stream. Purify that water as if your life depended on it—because it just might!
You’ve got other options:
- Boiling: The classic method that’s as reliable as your grandma’s old remedies. Boil the water, and you’ll kill all those nasty bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It’s like giving your water a hot bath.
- UV Light: Like giving your water a tan. Just make sure you have a UV purifier that works properly, or you might end up with a sunburned stomach.
- Chemical Purification: Chlorine and iodine tablets are like the magic potions of the water world. They’ll kill most pathogens but might not handle every villain. Also, iodine tablets are great in a pinch but shouldn’t be your first choice for everyday hydration.
The Ultimate Combo: Filter and Purify
Here’s the golden rule: Filter first, then purify. Think of it as a two-step dance to keep your gut from doing the cha-cha with pathogens. Dave Keaveny and Jeff Weinstein, our water-wise duo, swear by this combo approach. It’s like having a bodyguard (filter) and a super-secret spy (purifier) ensuring you don’t end up with a nasty surprise.
Products like the MSR Guardian offer both filtering and purifying in one nifty package. Just make sure your water purifier gets the EPA stamp of approval—because nobody wants a surprise medical evacuation!
So, whether you’re trekking through a pristine park or sipping tap water in a city with a questionable sanitation record, remember: treat your water right, and your stomach will thank you. Happy travels, and may your adventures be as refreshing as your water!
