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Wilderness & Navigation
Make Water Safe
Clear does not mean clean. Pathogens, not mud, are what make wild water dangerous.
What to do
- 1Boil: a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above ~6,500 ft) kills pathogens.
- 2Filter: a 0.1–0.2 micron filter removes bacteria and protozoa (not viruses).
- 3Chemical: chlorine dioxide or iodine tablets per label time; cloudy water needs longer.
- 4Pre-filter cloudy water through cloth, then treat.
- 5Store treated water in a clean, sealed container.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming clear mountain water is safe
- Under-boiling at altitude
- Re-contaminating with dirty hands/containers
Good to know
- Carry two methods — a filter for bulk and tablets/boiling as backup for viruses.
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