water filter?

[Knotty]

To me it's like wearing a seat belt. You can go for years without wearing one and be fine but get into an accident and...

[FLRider]

Honestly, with the water sources down here, I'd use a filter even if it wasn't useful in combating waterborne diseases. The taste/sediment issues with Florida water are legion (unless you're getting it from a spring), and it isn't as if the water is above the treeline here. Agriculture is a big enough portion of the state's economy that I'd worry about cow patties flowing downriver pretty much everywhere here.

Sure, it's an exaggeration, but not much of one. And I'd much rather be safe than sorry.

[olzeke]

I see this as a good example of different sections of the country, and different conditions at different elevations. My experience recently has been in wild areas with good water. High elevations with lots of snow melt. High flow rate rivers with little in the way of impurities in the area.

I would not tell someone else to not treat their water if they were in another area, but I have been doing this in Glacier, Mt Baker wilderness, Yosemite, and other such. The water in our rain forests is plentiful and pure. Even though I grew up in KY, and have lived in many places, I cannot imagine hiking in places that are not so far from societal poisons.

[Doctari]

I too use "Your" method of treating water, in that I don't treat. One word of, lets call it "Warning" don't share your water bottle. Or as I do, at least warn your fellow hiker that this is untreated water. I always try to add "I'm willing to share, but: Drink at your own risk!"

That way, if indeed we are immune, those who share the risk we take and get sick, have done so with full knowledge.

Similarly:
When I fix food seasoned to MY tastes, I often must warn others: I drink Frank's Hot Sauce straight from the bottle, & I find Dave"s Insanity Sauce amusing & this dish is somewhat hot to me. BEWARE! And they ignore me & then scream in pain at first bite, I just laugh at them.
They usually say, something like: Ohmygodhowcanyoueatthatstuff!

[sierrajud]

I agree with you, I've always been skeptical of all this water treatment stuff. I think with good judgement, it's ok to drink the water.

[enoorange]

I probably agree with you...everyone is overcautious regarding anything these days.
That said, for myself, it doesn't hurt for me to carry a hanging filter.

anyway, glad it worked and good to know for when I'm lazy.

[Jerry]

I have drank treated, and untreated......both were good with no effects....( that i know of )

I am sure the filter companies hipe up the "Need" for filtering, but that just marketing.....

As for me, I hate the runs in the woods....so I'll treat the water....


Jerry

[Veto 65]

I have also drank right out of a stream by sticking my face in it and no ill effects. In some areas water treatment may not be necessary but being cautous might mean not ruining a well planed and long awaited trip. My 2 cents.