I didn't realize how little I knew about wilderness/disaster survival until I started re-working my bugout bags and other gear!
I have some filter straws in the bags as the main source of drinking water, should the need arise. However, my backup was going to simply rely on boiling using a 1l camping pot.
I thought it was just that simple. Collect some water, boil it (FEMA says 1m at rolling boil, or 3m at higher altitude). But after some more reading, this seems like it's reserved for "normal" water sources that may have been compromised. Tap water that is clear but might otherwise have been contaminated.
My bugout plan would be to make a 70mile trip. Hopefully this would be completed by car, and within a short time. However, what if it isn't? There are a number of lakes and small streams along the way. One of the lakes (Lake Winnebago) is famously green in color.
Would it be possible (not necessarily pleasant, but safe) to boil that up and drink it? How long would be recommended? Is the filtration step required? Because i can't imagine something like a coffee filter would be nearly small enough to filter out viruses, cysts, and other nasties. It seems like more of an aesthetic issue than anything else.
Thanks for any info. This summer, I want to spend a couple weekends practicing skills and making sure the gear actually works as hoped. Coming down with dysentery or giardia doesn't sound like a fun way to spend the summer.
I have some filter straws in the bags as the main source of drinking water, should the need arise. However, my backup was going to simply rely on boiling using a 1l camping pot.
I thought it was just that simple. Collect some water, boil it (FEMA says 1m at rolling boil, or 3m at higher altitude). But after some more reading, this seems like it's reserved for "normal" water sources that may have been compromised. Tap water that is clear but might otherwise have been contaminated.
My bugout plan would be to make a 70mile trip. Hopefully this would be completed by car, and within a short time. However, what if it isn't? There are a number of lakes and small streams along the way. One of the lakes (Lake Winnebago) is famously green in color.
Would it be possible (not necessarily pleasant, but safe) to boil that up and drink it? How long would be recommended? Is the filtration step required? Because i can't imagine something like a coffee filter would be nearly small enough to filter out viruses, cysts, and other nasties. It seems like more of an aesthetic issue than anything else.
Thanks for any info. This summer, I want to spend a couple weekends practicing skills and making sure the gear actually works as hoped. Coming down with dysentery or giardia doesn't sound like a fun way to spend the summer.
