[pct-l] water purification cross-contamination

[AsABat]

For example, with the MSR MiniWorks filter, there's a long(ish) hose
that goes in the water source, and a threaded outlet that fits a Nalgene
bottle, with a lid to cover the outlet. I try to remember to put the lid
on the outlet first, then drain the hose and wrap it around the filter
body. The final step is washing my hands that have been handling the
inlet hose. Or at least it should be, as I rarely do. The theory is that
giardia cysts can survive some time out of water. 
 
The thing that always confused me is people telling me to filter my
water, then watching those same people rinse their hands in lake water,
or soak their bandana in the lake and wrap it around their head, with
the water then dripping on their face. I'm not paranoid (or maybe I am),
but it seems to me that's counterproductive. But, I've done the same.
 
AsABat
 
-----Original Message-----
 
funny, i've never kept the hoses seperate with my filter and have never
gotten sick,even though i knew there might be a chance of cross
contamination. > 
> Something else to think about is cross-contamination - the inlet hose
> not being kept separate from the outlet.
> 
> There's also been discussion that most giardia is passed by dirty
hands
> sharing food.