I love the outdoors. Whether camping or on a day hike, being "out there" is amazing. Of course I bring a container of water; just to start, but that is usually gone by the time I reach some of the upper mountain plateaus that I like to explore. There is a multitude of mountain streams in the area along with some beaver dams scattered throughout the bushier areas.

I would say the snow run off water that feeds these streams is clean and safe to drink about 75% of the time. It is the other 25% I am worried about. I prefer to filter this water when I draw it from a water way. I use a triple stage pump style filter that I made some years back. I know the filter well and what it will clean. I chose this style for convenience, cost and personal preference. I don't like using chemical surprise. "Oh wait these tablets are 6 months old...no good any more" plus you still have to buy them for a steady supply.

Water filters purchased from a good outdoor supply place are a somewhat good alternative. The only draw back is that you have to purchase new filter cartridges every so often. I mentioned that cost is a factor so if you use a multistage 1 micron filter medium it will set you back $5, maybe. The filters can be back flushed and re-sterilized for repeated uses. Finally, the right formula for sustained outdoor trips.

So whether camping, gold mining or just relaxing, clean water is no longer a concern.

"Don't leave home without it".

* Always be sure to test your water before using. Dew-Drop.com accepts no liability for the use of the information on the site. We do our best to bring you information on clean, drinkable water.