[pct-l] Not treating water on the PCT

[David Ellzey]

I remember reading a report recently on a study that concluded most cases of giardia were not caused by untreated/improperly treated water but rather from hand to mouth contact. In fact, it went on to state that dogs are especially prone to catching (go figure) and then transmitting the bacteria to humans.

So they say that keeping your hands clean and not trusting other hiker's handling of your food is actually more important than filtering most water.

BigToe

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Sean Nordeen
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 12:27 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Not treating water on the PCT

Well, for one thing, while Scott Williamson does not treat his water, he has caught giardia several times over the years and just hiked through it.  For him, its a tradeoff that he is willing to accept.  This year, I hiked with a guy who caught Giardia twice (Northern Sierra and northern Oregon) as he mostly didn't treat his water.  I hiked with a woman who told me she had gotten Giardia in the High Sierra where people are least likely to treat their water.

I personally didn't catch anything, but I treated everywhere with the exception of being near the top of the high passes in the Sierras.  My main method of treatment was using a half dose of Aqua Mira with at least twice the waiting time.  I personally think SoCal and NoCal are the most dangerous areas due to all the Cattle grazing across the trail.

-Sean "Miner" Nordeen
_______________________________________________
Pct-l mailing list
Pct-l at backcountry.net
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l