We've all been there.
We're sitting around the campfire with friends or family, and we decide to get a drink of water.
Many campsites will even have a community spigot from which to draw or drink water.
But wait.
Is the water coming from that communal spigot clean? Does it contain bacteria that will make my camping experience less than enjoyable? What should I do? This scenario confronts campers all the time, just like the scenario campers face when they consider drinking water from a stream, river or lake.
Is it safe? Will it make me sick? Is there something I can do to protect myself? The Web site dummies.
com has three tips for campers when it comes to these scenarios.
The first option is to bring along a portable filter when you go camping.
These can be fairly inexpensive and can help remove protozoa and bacteria from the water.
A second option is chemical tablets.
Water purification tablets such as Potable Aqua can help kill bacteria.
Again, this option is fairly inexpensive and can potentially prevent lots of problems.
The third and final option they suggest is the old standby: boiling the water.
This is the least expensive obviously, but can also take the most time and effort.
Yet in the end, the time and effort will be worth it.
So the next time you and your family head out to the campground or go backwoods hiking, be sure to keep these three options in mind when it comes to drinking water safety.
With a little time and a little investment, these options can ensure a good camping experience.