Is there drinkable water available while camping? How to boil? Can you drink stream water? There are multiple ways to ensure you have drinkable water while camping such as camping at a campground with “potable water,” bringing water from home or filtering water while camping. We’ll cover each of these approaches so you can figure out which will work best for you.

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CAMPGROUNDS WITH POTABLE WATER

When looking for campsites, you can specifically book ones that offer “potable water” also known as drinkable water. Bring a water jug to fill up at the water spigot so you don’t have to leave your campsite each time you need to get water.

Many campgrounds have potable water available and if you are new to camping this is a great amenity to look for. If you want to camp at locations without potable water, there are a few options available.

BRING YOUR OWN WATER

If potable water is not available and you are car camping for a couple days, bringing water from home is an option. A large water jug or two can get a small group through a 2 night camping trip. If you can pack all the water you need you don’t have to stress about finding water or taking the time to treat it.

A general rule of thumb is to have 2 gallons of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, dishes and hygiene. Bringing water has its limits with large groups or long trips. If you can’t carry enough water for your entire camping trip you can plan to resupply at a nearby campground, town or store that has drinking water available.

If you are backpacking or getting really remote, carrying gallons of water and resupplying may be a less viable options. For these styles of camping you’ll want a plan on gathering and treating water.

GATHER AND TREAT WATER

If your camping trip is taking you into the backcountry come up with a plan for gathering and treating water. If you are camping near a river or lake you may have an abundant supply of water. If you are camping in the desert, water may be harder to find.

KNOW WHERE TO GATHER WATER

So what are the best places to gather water?

• Flowing water will always be the best place to fill up. Moving water is great because algae and other microorganisms cannot accumulate.

• If you cannot find flowing water, look for a lake or slow-moving water that doesn’t have a lot of sediment. You want to look for clearer water.

Certain areas have a greater risk of contamination than others.

• Water near meadows or pastures where animals have grazed will have a higher likelihood of contamination. 

• Areas highly trafficked by humans or animals will have a greater risk of being contaminated.

TREATING WATER FOR DRINKING

Lakes, rivers, and streams may look clear, beautiful and tempting to drink from but even the clearest water may contain waterborne pathogens that needs to be treated. Treating water takes a little patience, but once you start doing it, it will become second nature. Here are 3 common ways to treat water.

BOILING WATER

By heating water to a boiling point, you’ll kill pathogens that may be in the water. Keep the water covered after boiling, let it cool and you’ll have clean drinking water. Although simple, it is time and fuel consuming to boil and cool water.

Boiling water works great if you are starting with clear water. If there is a lot of sediment in the water you can let it rest in a container so the sediment settles. Then carefully pour the water into a pot for boiling. You can also pass the water through a filter first to remove sediment.

Chemical TABLETS

Chemical tablets can be used to treat water to make it safe for drinking. They’re effective, lightweight and easy to use. All you do is gather water, drop in a tablet, shake and wait. Follow the directions on the packaging for exact measurements and timing to ensure the water is properly cleaned.

Similar to boiling water, chemical tablets don’t work well with sediment. You can let the sediment rest then pour out the clear water or pass the water through a filter.

Backpacking FILTERs AND PURIFiers

Water filtering and purifying systems designed for backpacking are very similar. Water filters will defend against protozoa and bacteria which for most backcountry trips in North America will be enough protection. Water purifiers go one step further by defending against waterborne viruses by using more advanced filter media or chemical treatment.

Water filters come in a variety of types including: bottle, squeeze, pump and gravity. Bottle and squeeze type filters are quick and easy to use. Pump and gravity filters provide larger volumes of water and are great for groups.

Water filters will be able to turn the dirtiest water to clear clean drinking water but try to find the clearest source available. Water filters will get clogged up over time and will need to be cleaned. Review the cleaning instructions for your water filter so you can clean it during your trip if necessary.

Water is a camping essentials, so please ensure you figure out the best approach for you to have clean drinkable water at all times. It will make a difference with staying hydrated, cooking and staying clean. Check out more Camping Know-How to feel prepared for camping.