Water Filtering

[hooky]

I've only ever used a filter and have been fine -- I agree that giardia especially is a major worry, and filters can manage it. But I would NOT use only chemical treatment.

My understanding is that something like an aquatab doesn't kill the hydatid tapeworm cysts.

[Midwest Ed]

Some chemical adsorption (activated charcoal, ion exchange media, etc) would be needed, which is how a home treatment system would typically work.

I've seen the ionic exchange method (since the Tannic acid molecule is negatively charged.) I can't find a link but I remember a 2 step additive process that was new. The 1st chemical caused the tannic acid to leach out (which then could be filtered) then the 2nd additive to neutralize the 1st. But then again, it's harmless to humans, medically speaking.

[Midwest Ed]

I've only ever used a filter and have been fine -- I agree that giardia especially is a major worry, and filters can manage it. But I would NOT use only chemical treatment.

My understanding is that something like an aquatab doesn't kill the hydatid tapeworm cysts.

This is true although it's the tapeworm eggs that need to be filtered or killed with boiling. The cyst is what grows inside you (or the moose) after an egg gets lodged in a capillary of any number of organs or the brain. When the cyst is ingested by a wolf it proceeds to the actual gastrointestinal tapeworm phase which then produce eggs ending up in scat.

[jhalloran25]

Does anyone have any updated information on this? I leave for my first trip to the Isle at the end of the month. I tend to be the person that over prepares but the pack is getting heavy for a 7 day trip and I would prefer not to have to bring a form of chemical treatment in addition to my platypus filter. Will mostly be camping at the Lake Superior sites on the Minong but considering bring chemicals for the one day at N. Desor as an option. Thanks.

[backwoods doc]

Here is the official NPS line: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ ... -water.htm

We've always used just a Katadyn Hiker Pro (or similar), which filters down to 0.2 microns, without an additional chemical treatment, and have had no trouble.

[kkrause]

Does anyone have any updated information on this? I leave for my first trip to the Isle at the end of the month. I tend to be the person that over prepares but the pack is getting heavy for a 7 day trip and I would prefer not to have to bring a form of chemical treatment in addition to my platypus filter. Will mostly be camping at the Lake Superior sites on the Minong but considering bring chemicals for the one day at N. Desor as an option. Thanks.

I didn't see anyone using chemical water treatment. Nobody complained about any sickness other than Knorrovirus

[jhalloran25]

We've always used just a Katadyn Hiker Pro (or similar), which filters down to 0.2 microns, without an additional chemical treatment, and have had no trouble.

Thanks. This is exactly the intel I was looking for!

[Ingo]

Platypus gravity filter is what I've used for years, also used with Sawyer filters. Never treated chemically.