Mentally, I have been planning a camping trip for several years now. Sleeping under the starry skies and hiking through some of the most pristine forests this country has to offer.
I have looked at backpacks with lightweight frames, moleskin to prevent blisters, outdoor cooking equipment, and, of course, a coffee pot. One interesting thing that I have looked at are water treatment tablets. After researching water related illnesses on the CDC’s Health Swimming webpage, I was surprised to find that natural waterbodies can carry recreational waterborne illnesses including E. coli O157:H7, which can lead to the kidney related complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Other contagions found in these waters can include Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella and norovirus. This means if you drink the water or take a leisurely swim, you can contract E. coli, Giardia, Shigella, or even Cryptosporidium and suffer from the diarrheal illness often associated with these illnesses.
The CDC’s Traveler’s Health webpage entitled Water Treatment Methods cites boiling all water which is obtained directly from a stream or other outside waterbody in order to try to kill bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens which can cause diarrhea. Those tablets which I previously mentioned are also discussed and can be bought at sporting good stores. They contain iodine, which can aid in purifying water, but it does not kill certain contaminants including Cryptosporidia.
The safest bet is to bring along your own bottled water. In a pinch, boil your water to ensure that you have killed any bacteria or parasites.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2010
