Water Purification Devices

According to one source, the first verified giardia lamblia case was in the Aspen, Colorado area, in 1975. Since that time, giardia has appeared in many remote areas, including Alaska. Giardia is carried in the intestinal tract of an infected mammal and makes its way into the water by defecation. Giardia cysts are ingested by drinking contaminated water, and the cycle begins again. Giardia can cause multiple side effects, but the most common are diarrhea, bloating, intestinal cramps, and moderate to severe weight loss. Some carriers are asymptomatic and may not be aware that they carry the organism (for more on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of giardia, read "Don't Drink the Water" by Michael Strahan).

RAFT bulk water filtration system for remote expeditions

Currently, the easiest way to treat water suspected of carrying giardia is by purifying or filtering. But which device meets your needs? Let's look at the options.

U/V Purifiers

Ultraviolet light is known to kill both giardia and cryptosporidium, and several devices utilizing this technology are on the market. These devices work by exposing the water to an illuminated wand of light. One of the most common and effective is the "SteriPEN," which is available in several configurations (including models that use a solar panel to charge the batteries. To use the device, turn the light wand on, and use it to stir the water in your bottle for a minute or so. The amount of time needed for the treatment depends on the volume of water. For 16 ounces, a minute is about right. For larger quantities, a longer exposure is required. The device uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that last for several thousand treatments, depending on the size of the unit used and the amount of time needed per treatment. Another device by the same company eliminates the batteries and relies on a hand crank to power the bulb instead.

Personal Water Filters

Several styles of small water filters are on the market, and your choice depends on your anticipated use, how much hassle you're willing to tolerate, and your personal preferences.

Drinking-Straw and In-line Filters

Several filtration systems utilize a filter element inserted in a straw or drinking tube or a filter element secured inside a water bottle's lid. While these effectively remove most contaminants, including silt, they clog quickly and require constant cleaning to be effective.

Pump Filters

The best personal water filters on the market are the type that requires pressure to work. The pressure is typically created by pumping a handle, which forces water through the filter element. Filter elements usually utilize a permeable ceramic element and sometimes incorporate a charcoal element as additional protection. Ceramic filters eventually clog, and they must be cleaned periodically to maintain efficiency. Cleaning is done in the field and usually takes only a few minutes.

Placement of the pump handle is a consideration when selecting a filter. Devices that pump from the end, using a tee-handle, are the hardest to use, and the user becomes tired after a while. A better ergonomic design uses a handle that pumps from the side. This design makes it easier to fill a couple of water bottles without the strain imparted by end-pumpers.

Another consideration is how water gets from the filter to your bottle. Most filters use a small hose attached to the filter's outflow end, with the end of the hose sitting inside the water bottle. Devices like this require the bottle to be placed on a flat, level surface that does not allow the possibility of the bottle being accidentally kicked over in the process of filling it. A better design allows the water bottle to be secured directly to the filter itself, eliminating the need for an outflow hose and removing the possibility of the bottle being knocked over while filing it.

Bulk Water Filters

For groups of three or more, a bulk filter system is recommended. These are capable of producing larger amounts of water with less effort than the smaller filter systems.

Pump Filters

Katadyn makes the most popular large pump filter. It looks like a bicycle pump and works much the same way. Insert your intake hose in the water supply (bucket or the pond or creek), and place the outflow hose in your water jug. It produces about a gallon a minute.

Gravity-Feed Filters

Several companies make gravity-feed filter systems. The ultimate in simplicity, all you do is fill a bag with raw water, hang it from a tree or elevated position, and insert the outflow hose into the filter canister. Place your water jug under the spigot and turn it on. The pressure is created by the elevation of the water above the filter element. R.A.F.T. makes a popular model that filters three gallons in about ten minutes. The advantage of this system is that it works while you're doing something else.

Maintaining Your Filter System

For filters to work effectively, they must be maintained. Otherwise, they will not allow good water flow or become cracked and lose their effectiveness.

Cleaning

Filters become clogged in the field, and they need to be cleaned periodically to keep them flowing correctly. In most cases, this involves opening the housing and removing the ceramic element. Scrub the element with a scratch pad, rinse it off, and re-assemble. If you're filtering turbid water (water with lots of plant debris or silt), cleaning must be done frequently.

Protection from Freezing

Ceramic filters can freeze in low temperatures. This not only keeps water from flowing through the unit, but it can also result in the ceramic element cracking. If a crack occurs and is overlooked, water will be contaminated, and people will get sick. Keep your filter from freezing in the field in the following ways:

  • Please place it in a cooler. The insulation in the cooler will keep it from freezing.
  • Place it near your sleeping bag. Wrap the filter canister in a plastic bag and place it partially under your sleeping bag to keep it warm.

Winter Considerations

Storing your filter over the winter requires attention to a few details. For starters, open the filter canister and remove the element. Let it dry for a few days. Store the unit with the cap off (to allow residual moisture to evaporate). If possible, store the filter in a heated area during the winter if winter temperatures dip below freezing. This prevents the element from freezing and cracking. Finally, if the filter element develops mold or mildew, clean it with the scratchpad (no soap!), re-assemble it, and pump a bleach and water mixture through it to kill any residual mold or mildew. Following the bleach treatment, flush the element liberally with tap water, and pump clean water through it for several minutes to eliminate the bleach taste.