Camping water filters … a vital necessity!
Imagine you are hiking through some of the most lush and beautiful forest virgins in the middle of nowhere. The air is cool and everything feels so pristine and perfect. You are thirsty and a small stream with clear fresh water is running in front of you. " Naturally, you feel the need to drink water from that source, but doing so will be ill-advised. Most people think that just because water is a natural source, is clear and flavors "natural", which means that consumption is going to be fine. This is a terrible mistake and is incurring unnecessary risks. Do not drink untreated water in the desert!
For most people, getting a glass of water is only a matter of walking a few yards, turning the faucet and drink up. However, going camping or stage tour normally simple task becomes a bit more laborious. Usually, the safest option when it is in the nature is just to bring their own treated water. However, if you go for a hike or overnight camping out this simply is not an option because it could not provide the required amount, the only option will be to treat water that can power walk or trekking area.
Potential Contaminants
The water extracted from natural sources as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds look may be clean and smell and taste undesirable. However, the pathogens found in water are not only detrimental, but are also invisible to the naked eye and may be odorless or tasteless. Pathogens involved are bacteria, viruses and protozoa that can cause mild nausea and fever or become more serious diseases such as severe diarrhea, hepatitis or typhoid fever. The water in lakes, rivers, streams and ponds should always be disinfected and treated before being used for cooking or drinking.
These pathogens may seem out of place in these pristine environments but rotten or fecal material in the water ports these pathogens. This means there is the possibility that an animal has died or excrete waste from the body in the natural water source or could be some contaminated runoff from a source upstream water source would unknowingly use.
Besides pathogens, sediments of mud, sand or land can also have natural sources of usable water. The general practice before the advent of portable water filters is to collect water and allow to stand in a container of some sort to which sediments accumulate at the bottom, then pour the remaining water in the top into another container for consumption. This usually can be a time consuming process and in an emergency situation may not be very practical, especially because the water is still not fit for consumption, pathogens As noted above may still reside in the water and therefore has yet to be treated before consumption.
In a more alarming note the U.S. Geological Survey reports that in the waters of the North American wilderness, no trace of organic chemicals, pesticides, solvents, gasoline compounds, refrigerant and fumigant in the supposedly pristine wilderness waters. The good news is that levels of chemical concentrations are very low, but is an early warning that human activity is having an effect on the regional distribution of surface water quality, even in remote areas.
Water Treatment Devices for campers / hikers
water treatment devices in general can be divided into two groups of their duties. The first group of treatment devices water to improve the overall flavor, aroma and appearance of water, or remove harmful substances and minerals, these types of water filters are not as essential to the camper / hiker at Therefore we will not talk about it. The next group is water treatment devices designed to disinfect water are going to discuss here since the greatest risk to hikers and campers is the ingestion of water with active pathogens that cause disease.
Chlorinators, Iodinators and ultraviolet (UV)
These are generally of the most practical means for the disinfection of large volumes of water that may be required to drink a large camp. Chlorine and iodine kills most of disease-causing organisms that require contact with moderate short time with water before taking effect. Chlorine is widely used in municipally treated water and has virtually eliminated infectious diseases transmitted by water such as typhoid and cholera in urban areas.
However, chlorine treatment iodine alone will not eliminate all pathogens, protozoa such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum with chlorination alone will not die. If protozoa are present or suspicion, then it is recommended that the water is passed through a water filter with 0.1 micro-meter or smaller size of the pores to eliminate these harmful parasites, treated with chlorine or iodine before consumption.
Iodine is another alternative to disinfect water, but should be reserved for occasional use or emergency. Iodine should not be used a long-term solution for disinfection, because iodine is therefore physiologically active ingestion of large quantities over a long period can also be harmful.
Both chlorine and iodine are effective in removing pathogens However, research has indicated that the long-term use is dangerous chlorine This may be related to cancer and brain damage, so it is reported that these treatment agents is used as a last resort when other options water treatment have been exhausted.
ultra-violet devices are also effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa. No need to add anything to what the water treated water has no taste or smell and, only a few seconds of exposure is required if the water is clear. This system, however is quite expensive compared to other types of water filters and also does not guarantee the quality of water beyond the point of use. Basically, once you apply the ultraviolet light, drink immediately, is not a long term solution where you can store water in a container for future consumption.
Ceramic filters or glass fiber
These types of filters normally come in a can of form for use in camping or hiking situations. They treat smaller amounts of water, suitable for camping with a few people or when water needs are not very high. These types of filters can remove most bacteria and protozoa from slightly polluted waters and are usually sufficient to half camper / hiker 's needs. When presented with contaminated water, it is recommended that these filters are used in conjunction with the aforementioned chlorinators, iodinators and ultraviolet light for a broad spectrum of disinfection and treatment.
There are also portable fiberglass or ceramic filters with iodine-releasing resins designed specifically for campers and travelers to countries where drinking water quality is questionable. Some of these filters also releasing portable iodine have activated carbon filters to remove excess iodine in the water.
In general, these filters are the most practical when hiking or camping, because of its ease of use and portability. If the camper of the traveler looking for clean natural water is too polluted, with this type of filters are recommended over of other treatment options.
Distillers and ozonator
These are point of use devices that are suitable where electric power is not available for instance, while hiking or camping trip. The distillation water filters are effective in removing inorganic chemicals heavy metals and selected organic chemicals. They are often combined with activated carbon for the removal of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trihalomethanes and Tetrachloroethylene. It should be noted that distilled water is demineralized quarters have had to say drinking distilled water for long periods However cause the disease has done any research to prove or disprove this theory.
Ozonator produce small amounts of ozone which is a very strong oxidizing agent that is effective in killing pathogens in a short period of time. Ozonation produces no taste or odor in the water. Unlike chlorine and iodine, ozone does not protect the water after application (though it is safer based on research) and is usually combined with filtration activated carbon to achieve a water treatment solution more complete.
These filters are typically used in conjunction ceramic or glass fiber filters when a much broader spectrum of pollutants present in water. These types of filters are bulky, take longer to filter and only should be used when water is known to be contaminated with these toxic chemicals. Under normal circumstances, such a high level of leakage is not necessary.
In conclusion, the main objective of campers when it comes to the needs of its waters is to ensure that the water used is free from harmful pathogens, chemicals and toxins so they do not get sick on your trip. As such water filters, filtration to provide more balanced the needs of the caravan / walker or ceramic filters fiberglass water, assuming that water is not too polluted.
Water Filtration and Purification for Backpacking
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American Ultraviolet LCI-1S Water Treatment/Filter System $399.99 |
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SAFH2O UV 2 GPM Ultraviolet Water Purifier + .5 Micron Carbon Filter System M300 $152.00 |
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Reverse Osmosis water Filter w/Ultraviolet sterilizer UV 75 GPD RO A756CTUV $195.00 |
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100 GPD Reverse Osmosis Water Filter w/Ultraviolet sterilizer UV A2 $195.00 |
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uv water filter ultraviolet purifier reverse osmosis ro $99.95 |
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Atlantic Ultraviolet Water Purifier filter light 20 GPM $1,075.00 |
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UV Sterilizer – Ultraviolet Light Purifier-10 Gal/M/RO System / Water Filter $219.95 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replace Lamp-10 GPM/RO System/Water Filter $59.95 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replace Lamp-12 GPM/RO System/Water Filter $67.95 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replacement Sleeve- 8 Gal/Min/RO/Water Filter $45.95 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replacement Sleeve- 10 GPM/RO/Water Filter $49.95 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replacement Sleeve- 12 GPM/RO/Water Filter $54.95 |
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100 GPD Reverse Osmosis Water Filter+ UV ULTRAVIOLET $165.00 |
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100 GPD Reverse Osmosis Water Filter+ UV ULTRAVIOLET $185.00 |
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Pool – Water Disinfection Ultraviolet ( UV-C ) Filter $579.95 |
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UV ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT WATER FILTER SYSTEM 32W REPLACEMENT BULB $53.00 |
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Whole House Water Filter (20″ x 2.5″) Sediment and Carbon with 6 GPM UltraViolet $274.95 |
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UV house Water filter Purifier Pura uvbb-3 Ultraviolet $650.00 |
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pura uvb-3 uv ultraviolet uv water filter purifier $375.00 |
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Whole House Water Filter (20″ x 2.5″) Triple Blue Housing with 8 GPM UltraViolet $319.95 |
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6 GPM ULTRA VIOLET WATER FILTER SYSTEM $1,450.00 |
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UV house Water filter Purifier Pura uvbb-1 Ultraviolet $499.00 |
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10 Stages RO UV Ultraviolet, DI PH Alkaline Mineral Reverse Osmosis Water filter $285.00 |
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uv water filter ultraviolet purifier reverse osmosis ro $65.00 |
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Crystal Quest Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems $390.00 |
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6 GPM STERILIZER UV ULTRAVIOLET WATER FILTER $179.00 |
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3,000 LPH ULTRA VIOLET WATER FILTER MILLIPORE 500BF_ OFFERS! $5,000.00 |
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Drinking Water Ultraviolet (UV) Filter Kit $173.75 |
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High Flow Complete UV System Whole House Filter + Ultra-violet Water Filter 8gpm $559.00 |
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Whole House Ultraviolet UV Water Sterilizer Filter 6 GPM + Extra UV Lamp $175.81 |
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Ultraviolet UV Water Sterilizer Filter (1 GPM) $64.30 |
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Aqua Clear 4 Stage undersink Drinking Water Filter with UV ultra violet & faucet $189.00 |
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pura uvb3 uv ultraviolet uv water filter purifier 120V $375.00 |
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Big Blue 10″ Dual Whole House Water Filter 8 gpm UltraViolet Sterilizer $339.95 |
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1 GPM STERILIZER UV ULTRAVIOLET WATER FILTER $49.00 |
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PURA UV20-3 UV Water filter Purifier Ultraviolet NO RO $549.00 |
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Big Blue 10″ Dual Whole House Water Filter 10 gpm UltraViolet Sterilizer $349.95 |
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Pentek UVS-110-1 120V UltraViolet Water Filter System $228.79 |
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UV Sterilizer – Ultraviolet Light Purifier-8 Gal/M/RO System / Water Filter $214.95 |
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Whole House Ultraviolet UV Water Sterilizer Filter 8 GPM + Extra UV Lamp&Sleeve $199.92 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replacement Sleeve-1 Gal/Min/RO/Water Filter $18.95 |
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UV Sterilizer Ultraviolet Purifier Replacement Sleeve- 6 Gal/Min/RO/Water Filter $39.95 |
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6Stage RO UV Reverse Osmosis Water filter Ultra Violet $179.90 |
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Whole House Water Filter (20″ x 2.5″) Sediment and Carbon with 8 GPM UltraViolet $299.95 |
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Whole House Water Filter (20″ x 2.5″) Sediment and Carbon 10 GPM UltraViolet $319.95 |
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