Sick after drinking filtered river water

[slowworm]

I thought this story might be of interest. It's a shame they don't give many details such as what the infection was and what filters the people used. Anyone know any more details?

Walkers sick after drinking river water on the West Highland Way

Two walkers on the long distance route fell severely ill after drinking from a burn despite using filters.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[mrmike]

I thought this story might be of interest. It's a shame they don't give many details such as what the infection was and what filters the people used. Anyone know any more details?

Walkers sick after drinking river water on the West Highland Way

Two walkers on the long distance route fell severely ill after drinking from a burn despite using filters.

www.bbc.co.uk

The article says they were using "straw type" water filters.

 

[stonepark]

That's why it is recommended that you filter and then boil.........

 

[Wayne]

Filter is not purification. Unless it states clearly it’s a water purifier. Any ceramic filter when subject to a shock can fracture enough to allow viruses and bacteria through.

 

[slowworm]

I did see they used straw type filters but when I've looked at filters there was a difference between brands of what they filtered, hence wanting to know what the infection was and what filters were used.

I do boil water we filter but if you always need to boil why are the straw type filters and even the water bottle type sold?

 

[Falstaff]

Marketing and laziness/practicality!

I suppose the alternative to boiling might be the chlorine tabs, metabisulphate or even potasium permanganate ? Boiling say, 3ltrs a day, would use a lot of fuel. (and time)

Don't think it was the case here, but there are also individual's reactions to ingesting some things, irrespective of any bugs, virus etc.