[at-l] Safe water debate

[ellen at clinic.net (Bob C.)]

The December issue of Backpacker has a fascinating article on trail water
quality. As usual the experts differ. But Backpacker surveyed backcountry water
sources, studied the scientific literature and concluded that though 23 percent
of the water sources have giardia or cryptosporidia, the concentrations are so
low that the chances of getting an infectious dose is about one in 5,000.

 The chances of getting sick is even lower, since many show no symptoms.

 Robert Derlet, MD, is quoted as saying, that if you "averaged every drop of
 water in the Sierra, you would have to drink 250 gallons to get enough giardia
 to make you sick."

 Another medical doctor concluded, "Getting sick from backcountry water is like
 being attacked by a shark -- a very rare event that has been blown out of
 proportion by the public and the press."

 AT water sources did have more giardia than other locations tested, and AT
 hikers are more likely to have stomach upsets than other outdoor users. But the
 use of water treatment had little to do with the incidence of sickness.

 "Of those who consistently disinfected, 45 percent still reported bouts of
 diarrhea."

 The article quotes also, a University of Minnesota study that showed, "Cleaning
 eating utensils and washing hands regularly with soap and water proved to be
 more effective at reducing the risk ... than treating water."

 However, this is a long and detailed report. Don't take my word for it. Read it
 yourself.

 Weary