Making Water Safe

[Bushcraftsman]

Is ANY water safe to drink if you filter it through something like a sieve to get all the bits out and then boil it, or does this only work with relatively clean water. I was thinking of going for a camping trip with my mates soon and there is a small stream running near us. However going further up stream it does seem to look pretty nasty at certain bits. Do you think if I sieve the water and then boil it a few times it will be safe to drink or am i better just taking my own water (only a couple of nights in a nearby woodland)

thanks

 

[Shewie]

It depends on what you call nasty, if it`s chemical polution the I`d give it a wide birth and carry some fresh in yourself.
Just for the record I`ve never done anything else apart from rough filter and boiling and I`m still here (sort of)

 

[Bushcraftsman]

I dont think there is any chemicals in it, i dont live near anything like that. It just looks dirty and fairy horrible. It also pools in some places and these tend to look very dirty (dark brown), but i guess if its still running water it must be ok. What you think....shall I give it a try :bluThinki

 

[Shewie]

What you think....shall I give it a try :bluThinki

Wouldn`t like to say mate

 

[Bushcraftsman]

Haha well from the sounds of things do you think it sounds safe or not?

 

[Mesquite]

If you reckon it's not contaminated by chemicals or animal carcassess then it ought to be ok providing you filter it with something like a Millbank bag then boil it.

A good indicator is if you see small fish and insect life in the pools then it's not poisoned but will still need treating.

 

[Shewie]

Haha well from the sounds of things do you think it sounds safe or not?

Depends if it just peaty soil causing the discolouration or if there`s something worse surfacing somewhere. There could be all sorts of reason I suppose, can you get somebody else to try it first

 

[Bushcraftsman]

Do the small fish and insects have to be in the pools, because I noticed them further down stream? and will it not work if I just use a sieve to filter the water? or does it have to be a special bag?

 

[lee22]

Do the small fish and insects have to be in the pools, because I noticed them further down stream? and will it not work if I just use a sieve to filter the water? or does it have to be a special bag?

a sieve wont clear all the fine particals out, just an idea....you could use a shammi or a pair of ladies tights instead they would (imo) work better
lee

 

[Bushcraftsman]

oh right....never thought of tights haha, will have to try that thanks mate

 

[Shewie]

Have a look at Red`s "Science of Water" sticky aswell bushcraftsman (if you haven`t already )

 

[Melonfish]

muslin would be good, its designed for straining out particles and leaving juice and is mostly used in jam making etc.
that or a millbank bag which are about £8 unused surplus at endicotts (no affiliation)