Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Water Filtration Water Filtration
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jul 2001
Renate
Guest
  
Posts: n/a
Water Filtration
Does anyone out there know of any good, or recommended water filtration systems for Africa?

Since we can't possibly take ALL our water with us this would be very useful information to have

What we need is a process that removes up to 3-microns, so it takes out cysts, eggs, bacteria, other germs, impurities etc, etc.

chris, any advice or recommendations?

Renate
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jul 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hi Renate,
I have purchased the filter from Brownchurch separately, without their rather intricate installation including a pump, valves, stopcocks, tubing and shower head(?). Works out much cheaper and runs from the pump in the water tank. The filter can be hung on a piece of string, which works OK without the penalty of size and weight of the extra bits. Spare candles are also available from Brownchurch.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.polandrover.com
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jul 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Ethiopia
Posts: 15
Hi,

We've used tablets (1 tablet does 25l) and avoided problems. We have also used the Pur Explorer that works great, but leaves the water tasting of something (iodine?). We've met others using a Katadyn filter which they said worked fine - they were filtering all their water for 4 adults. Also the Brownchurch system is good, and easy.

Friends of ours also travelled from S.Africa to Europe and didn't treat or filter their water at all - and had no problems! Rather them than me though.

Cheers,

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jul 2001
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
Re water filtration. I would recommend Katadyn. The ceramic filters are silver impregnated and get rid of anything and save boiling water. I have one of their Stirrup pumps (2nd hand from Anchor Supplies ex Camel Trophy - advertised in LRO a month ago) which you can use to pump water from a river, well etc and also a Katadyn gravity system similar in concept to the Brita water filters you get. Expensive kit but I hope worthwhile. I intend using the gravity system each evening to ensure we have enough drinking watwer for the next day and stirup pump as required.

I also designed and made up a portable water filtration unit using an electric pump and two filters one to take out shit up to 20 microns and then a Katadyn filter to take out everything else. Lets just say it was a white elephant and could not justify weight and space - measures about 24" by 9" by 20" but works beautifully anybody with a truck should take it (50GBP)! Cost me over 200GBP to build so go for the brownchurch unit would be my advice if you want electrics. Building your own is expensive!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jul 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Canterbury
Posts: 8
Does anyone know where to get filtering equiptment second hand?
Also, what petrol stoves would people recommend?

Thanks,
Lenny
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jul 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
Hi

I have just fitted the Brownchurch system to my truck, curtesy of Chris and his overland store (2nd hand section !) , Seems to work fine but have not tried it for real (have plumbed it so the shower section actually supplies direct to my sink or you can use the filter so we can have the best of both worlds). Will try it in October in Morocco for real

As for Stoves I can only tell you the do nots !

Do not buy an ex British army twin burner stove, they are useless (so now we know why the army sold them)

But at least by cleaning it every day we managed to keep it running, the Coleman petrol stove that someone else had just gave up the ghost so I would not recommend them at all either.

I have an MSR multifuel stove that I am very pleased with but thats a small backpackers stove (we also carry it in the truck as an emergency backup)

Cheers

Rich

__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Sep 2001
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
Any chandlery will supply the filters and pumps you need very cheaply. Do not bother with a shower - wastes water (use a bowl).

Cooking - I always take one MSR dragonfly and a fuel bottle, but used it once in last three months (and not at all in previous desert trip of five months) - get wood from forested areas and cook 'au naturel'.

Sam
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Sep 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 25

Got Brownchurch water filter for sale if anyone is interested.

Sold separate - no backboard, pump, pipes or shower.

Only run for a few minutes.

e.mail me direct if interested...

james.stephenson@concert.com
__________________
Best regards,
James Stephenson
Land Rover Defender 130 camper
www.JamesUK.net
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Sep 2001
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,910
Lenny, re stoves, I would go for ordinary twin burner gaz (butane) stove (30 quid in a camping shop) not petrol - safer, simple to light, easier to refill out there (with possible adaption needed). Camping gas is as easy as gas at home.
I've just been using a small Optimus backpacking stove in Canada and it is truly a liability (more in AMW soon), as was an ex army twin burner stove I bought a couple of years ago. If you're on a bike though - I've found the Coleman peak reliable, stable and works OK on pump petrol.


Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com


Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Sep 2001
REX REX is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: where the Defender 110 & Feathercraft K1's are
Posts: 6
Katadyn filters are the way to go. We have an Expedition to fill up cans, A Combi Plus for in hotel use and a Pocket Filter for emergency use/backpacking. We also use Micropur (made by Katadyn) & now use Micropur Forte.

Note: PUR stopped selling their filters because of some EPA issues! But, PUR model 06 & 35 desalinators are the only way to go when you need fresh water from salt water.
Also, Katadyn just bought PUR! check our www.Katadyn.ch

------------------


E-Mail if you need to.

[This message has been edited by REX (edited 28 September 2001).]
__________________
E-Mail if you need to.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:40.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top