Drink at Your Own Risk: The Dangers of Untreated Water and How to Purify It in the Backcountry
/When you're out on a camping trip or hiking adventure, the urge to drink from a nearby river or stream can be tempting. After all, what could be more refreshing than crystal-clear water straight from nature? However, drinking untreated water can be a serious health risk, especially in Canada where it can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
A man stands near a lake in the mountains and fills his water bottle with water from the lake.
In this blog, we'll explore the various illnesses and conditions that can be caused by drinking untreated water and discuss the different types of water purification methods that you can use in the backcountry to keep yourself safe and healthy.
We'll cover the pros and cons of different methods, including boiling water, using water filters, chemical treatments, and UV light. By the end of this blog, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about how to purify water on your next outdoor adventure.
Whats the Harm?
That's right - those pristine-looking water sources can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause a range of illnesses. From beaver fever to E. coli, we'll take you on a tour of the illnesses that can turn a fun camping trip into a nightmare. After reading this, you won't want to drink out of streams anymore!
Here's a list of the different waterborne illnesses that can be contracted from drinking untreated water:
Beaver Fever:
This is an infection of the small intestine caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, found in the intestines of animals, including beavers, that can contaminate water sources. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. It usually takes 1-3 weeks for symptoms to appear after exposure to contaminated water, and the illness can last for several weeks.
Cryptosporidiosis:
This is an infection of the intestines caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. The parasite is spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning that it can be contracted by ingesting water or food that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person or animal. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fever. Symptoms usually start within 2-10 days after exposure to contaminated water and can last for several weeks.
Hepatitis A:
This is a viral infection that affects the liver. In Canada, Hepatitis A outbreaks have been linked to untreated water sources, particularly in areas with poor sanitation or where sewage systems can overflow into rivers and lakes. When contaminated water is ingested, the virus can enter the body and begin to replicate in the liver. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, Hepatitis A can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools. The illness can last for several weeks to several months, and while most people recover fully, some may develop chronic liver disease. It's important to remember that even in areas with clean-looking water, there may still be a risk of contamination from human or animal fecal matter.
Campylobacteriosis:
This is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, fever, and nausea. Symptoms usually start within 2-5 days after exposure to contaminated water and can last for several days to several weeks. In some cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications, such as reactive arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that affects the nervous system.
E. coli infection:
This is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in the intestines. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, and fever. Symptoms usually start within 1-8 days after exposure to contaminated water and can last for several days to several weeks. There have been several outbreaks of E. coli linked to untreated water sources, particularly in rural areas where there is a higher risk of contamination.
Even the most idyllic-looking water sources can be hiding some pretty gross stuff. For example, an animal carcass upstream could be introducing all sorts of bacteria and pathogens into the water, while animal fecal matter can travel downstream and contaminate even the cleanest-looking water sources.
Water Purification
Here's an overview of different water purification methods and their pros and cons:
Boiling:
Boiling water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to kill off harmful bacteria and viruses. By boiling water for at least one minute (or longer at higher altitudes), you can ensure that it's safe to drink.
Boiling does however require a pot and an effective source of heat. Beware that boiling won't remove any sediment or debris from the water, it requires pre-filtering.
Portable water filters:
Portable water filters, such as those made by brands like Katadyn or Sawyer, are a popular choice for backcountry adventurers. These filters typically use a combination of ceramic or carbon filters to remove harmful bacteria. They're lightweight, compact, and easy to use, making them a convenient option for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, they can be relatively expensive, and they can not remove viruses without a chemical component. Cloudy particle rich water may slow down and clog the filter.
Chemical treatments:
Chemical treatments, such as iodine tablets or chlorine drops, can be an effective way to disinfect water. These treatments typically involve adding a small amount of chemical to the water and waiting a certain amount of time for it to take effect. They're lightweight and easy to pack, making them a popular choice for backpackers and hikers.
Chemical treatments can leave a chemical taste in the water, and they are not effective against cysts.
UV water purifiers:
UV water purifiers, such as those made by SteriPen, use ultraviolet light to kill off harmful bacteria and viruses. They're easy and quick to use and require no chemicals or filters.
Uv water purifiers can be relatively expensive, and they require batteries or a power source to operate.
Ultimately, the best water purification method will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's a good idea to research different options and experiment with them before your next outdoor adventure, so that you can find the method that works best for you.
Emergency Situation
In a survival situation where you're stranded without access to clean water, it may be necessary to drink untreated water in order to stay hydrated. While this is not ideal, it's important to understand that drinking unpurified water is sometimes necessary for survival.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to drink untreated water, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of illness. For example, it's generally safer to drink from fast-moving rivers or streams, as these are less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria and pathogens than stagnant bodies of water such as lakes or ponds. If you must drink from a stagnant body of water, try to collect water from the surface rather than the bottom, as this is less likely to contain sediment and debris.
It's also important to remember that drinking untreated water always carries some risk, and you should be prepared to deal with the consequences if you do get sick.
Conclusion
Access to clean drinking water is something that many of us take for granted, but it's important to remember that untreated water can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens.
By taking the necessary precautions and being prepared, you can ensure that you'll be able to stay hydrated and healthy even in the most challenging of circumstances. So, whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or venturing into the wilderness on a multi-day hike, always be mindful of the risks associated with untreated water and take the steps necessary to protect yourself and stay safe.
