Quote:
Originally Posted by 7055
Hi Mark,
Thanks - that was the one I was going to buy.
Ta-Rider - I'll be in S.America - how did you find the availability of tap water there?
Thanks,
7055.
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All the above are valid water treatment systems.
The one I would recommend for travel is
Lifesaver Bottle - Water Purification Systems
Get extra charcoal filters as they only work for about 250 to 400 litres depending on purity of the water put throught them. It is compact and effective. The main filter will do about 60,000 liters, yes, 2 years approx.
I have carried all of the water systems at some time or another, but in my opinion the Lifesaver with a Miox kit is probably the best combination. The British army now use it.
Consider tap water unsafe, as most municipal (not all) water treatment plants in South America are at least 20 years old and exceed their design throughput by 50%. Most water treatment plants in South America either over clorinate, or do not chlorinate at all.
Be aware that toxins such as PCB's, and arsenic, can enter throught the skin when you are dehydrated and shower. Riding long distance on a motorcycle will dehydrate you even in cold weather, especially at high altitude. Carry rehydration salts with you, available at most farmacia. Drink 1 litre water and wait 20 minutes before showering. This also applies to swimming in the sea or surfing. If you are drinking lots of water and are thirsty, you are dehydrated, use the salts to balance the body's electrolytes.
You are most likely asking, who the heck is this guy?
My business is water treatment and I have worked in Africa, Asia, Arabia, Europe, north and south America.
I am currently on a survey in South America, on the specific toxicity of the water. I have just spent 3 months in The Atacama, Northern Chile and Argentina, testing water supplies. No, results are not yet released.
Drink bottled water as a safety measure when available.
No I don't own shares in Lifesaver, and am not associated with the company.