Baseline Water Sourcing & Boiling Protocols

Find water, clean it and know it is safe to drink.

Beginner

4 min

BASELINE WATER SOURCING & BOILING PROTOCOLS
[ ] Rolling Boil Timer
[ ] Pre-Filter Bandana
[ ] Backup Iodine

Rolling Boil Timer: your phone timer or a watch works. Time the boil from the moment big bubbles continue.
Pre-Filter Bandana: tightly woven cotton or synthetic, washed and dedicated to water.
Backup Iodine: follow the package directions for dose and wait time. Taste can improve with a flavor neutralizer, if sold with the tablets.

Treat every source. Giardia, bacteria and viruses can be in clear mountain water. The CDC recommends treating water from backcountry sources. See cdc.gov for current guidance.
Use a proven method. The CDC and EPA describe boiling as a way to make water safe. Check the current boil time at the CDC, as it can vary with elevation. Many guidelines list a longer time at higher elevations. Never guess.
Know iodine limits. Iodine tablets are a backup, not a daily method. Some people, including those who are pregnant or have thyroid conditions, should avoid iodine. Check the label and talk to your doctor.

Gear types only.

Stove and fuel
Pot with a lid
Water bottles or bladder
Bandana or fabric pre-filter
Chemical treatment tablets as a backup
Filter, if you choose to add one (see the Activities checklists)
Insulated bottle for storing clean water (Wild Dirt carries drinkware)

Water treatment guidance and source availability vary by park and region. Check current local rules with the managing agency. For current health guidance see cdc.gov and epa.gov.

Safe water is the foundation of every trip. Learn it once and trust it forever. Built by explorers, for first-timers.

Plan ahead

Look at your map and mark water sources along your route
Check recent trail reports to see if sources are running
Carry enough water to get to your next source
Treat all backcountry water, even if it looks clear

Collect

Choose moving water over still water when you can
Collect from upstream of camp, away from trails and animal areas
Pre-Filter Bandana: pour water through a clean bandana to remove sand and bits
Collect in a clean container

Boil

Bring the water to a Rolling Boil, big bubbles that keep going
Rolling Boil Timer: set it and time the boil
Let it cool in a covered pot
Store it in a clean, closed bottle

Backup

Backup Iodine tablets, in case your stove fails
Read the label for contact time and any health warnings
A second backup, such as a filter

Keep it clean

Keep treated and untreated water in separate, labeled containers
Wash your hands before handling clean water
Do not dip a dirty cup into clean water

Plan ahead

Look at your map and mark water sources along your route
Check recent trail reports to see if sources are running
Carry enough water to get to your next source
Treat all backcountry water, even if it looks clear

Collect

Choose moving water over still water when you can
Collect from upstream of camp, away from trails and animal areas
Pre-Filter Bandana: pour water through a clean bandana to remove sand and bits
Collect in a clean container

Boil

Bring the water to a Rolling Boil, big bubbles that keep going
Rolling Boil Timer: set it and time the boil
Let it cool in a covered pot
Store it in a clean, closed bottle

Backup

Backup Iodine tablets, in case your stove fails
Read the label for contact time and any health warnings
A second backup, such as a filter

Keep it clean

Keep treated and untreated water in separate, labeled containers
Wash your hands before handling clean water
Do not dip a dirty cup into clean water