Can we drink water from a mountain spring or river?

When we go on any mountain hike, one of the key aspects is how much water we carry and not running out along the way. One of the questions many people ask is about the quality of the water that flows from springs or down mountain rivers. Although water from natural springs or streams looks very clean and crystalline, it is not treated and therefore may contain bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses.

One of the first things to consider is where the water comes from. If the water flows from areas close to pastures with animals, it is more likely to be contaminated. On the other hand, if we are in high mountain areas where there are no longer any pastures or the water comes from a natural spring that we see emerging from the ground, there is a greater possibility that it is safe water.

However, since we cannot guarantee that it is water suitable for human consumption, nor do we want to suffer from stomach aches during or after the hike, it is highly recommended to purify the water we drink from mountain springs or rivers.

Methods for purifying water:

Chlorine or chloramine tablets: This method is one of the simplest and most effective. Chlorine tablets release substances that eliminate bacteria and other pathogens from the water. They are small and easy to carry, but it's important to note that they need time to act (usually between 30 minutes and 1 hour).
Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite): Household bleach, used for cleaning, can also be used to purify water. In this case, you must be very careful with the dosage, as a few drops of bleach per liter of water are enough to eliminate microorganisms. Its advantage is that it is easy to find, but you need to carefully control the amount of bleach per liter to avoid overdoing it.
Iodine: The use of iodine tablets is another popular method for disinfecting water. Although effective against bacteria and viruses, it does not eliminate all parasites and can leave an iodized taste that not everyone likes. Furthermore, prolonged use of iodine is not recommended for some people, such as pregnant women or those with thyroid problems.
Filters: These are one of the safest and most comprehensive options. Unlike chemical products, filters physically remove sediment and bacteria. They work by passing water through a porous filter that traps pathogens. The only drawback is that they can be a bit heavier than tablets, but they are also useful when we find turbid water.

In summary, although mountain water may appear potable at first glance, you should always be careful about its source and take measures to ensure it is safe for human consumption. These methods we have presented can be useful in situations where we run out of water and need to refill canteens, but it is also important to do good planning and prepare the amount of water according to the duration of the hike, the weather, etc.

Methods for purifying water:

Chlorine or chloramine tablets: This method is one of the simplest and most effective. Chlorine tablets release substances that eliminate bacteria and other pathogens from the water. They are small and easy to carry, but it's important to note that they need time to act (usually between 30 minutes and 1 hour).
Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite): Household bleach, used for cleaning, can also be used to purify water. In this case, you must be very careful with the dosage, as a few drops of bleach per liter of water are enough to eliminate microorganisms. Its advantage is that it is easy to find, but you need to carefully control the amount of bleach per liter to avoid overdoing it.
Iodine: The use of iodine tablets is another popular method for disinfecting water. Although effective against bacteria and viruses, it does not eliminate all parasites and can leave an iodized taste that not everyone likes. Furthermore, prolonged use of iodine is not recommended for some people, such as pregnant women or those with thyroid problems.
Filters: These are one of the safest and most comprehensive options. Unlike chemical products, filters physically remove sediment and bacteria. They work by passing water through a porous filter that traps pathogens. The only drawback is that they can be a bit heavier than tablets, but they are also useful when we find turbid water.