2010 May | WMS Outdoors

Microfilter Water

Posted May 31, 2010 By admin and has no comments yet.

Microfilter Water
Water born bacteria VS. Micro Filter Vs. Water Purifier...?

I am embarking on a long camping trip in the mountains of South America. Most of the time I will be dependent upon natural water sources for my sustenance.

My question is concerning water filters and purifiers. I recently purchased both for my trip. The Micro Filter claims it removes down to .3 microns. Which I would imagine covers Bacteria, Cysts etc. Leaving the only seeming difference being Viruses?

IF, that is the case I'm not a Biologist, when would you know it was safe to use only the filter, and when to use the purifier? AND, if the purifier is the only thing 99.999% able to provide me with unquestionable drinking water. Why would ANYONE want or use a Microfilter?...

Thanks In Advance To All Who Responded!

I'd personally suggest two possible alternatives:

1. Boil your water, that kills ALL bacteria and germs in the water.
2. Iodine tablets, they also kill ALL bacteria and germs in the water.

Also you don't state how low the purifier is stated to filter. If it's less than .3 microns than use that. The thing with these filters is that they become less and less effective the more you use them. The packages usually say change after so many uses. Perhaps smaller filters are more expensive, which is why some people opt for .3 micron sized instead of smaller because they can't afford it, or don't think they will get anything. Then again most people would use it in a local lake or river, and not in South America. People think foreign countries and continents are dirtier than their own, which is why they don't opt for the most expensive stuff sometimes.

MSR AutoFlow Gravity Microfilter Water Filter