Thread: Drinking out of rivers

So heres a question, how can you tell if a river is safe to drink out of?
What things or tips do you use?

Let wife drink first, observe, evaluate risk, proceed.

As above... but from a projectile vomit avoiding distance...

Basically if it's flowing, doesn't smell, has no dead animals floating in it or look radioactive I generally trust it. Always take a small sip first though, if it tastes odd then spit it out and don't go further.

Depends where I am, back of beyond not too worried. Places where freedom campers can be upriver round the corner... Maybe not

Down south or more isolated areas may be fine but in the Tararuas I take water purification tablets - I've not been really sick but it means that I don't get the shits as bad

The first thing I consider is are there sheep or cattle upstream, if there are then it's a no go for me without boiling or treating first.

I have drunk a lot of water from back country rivers and love it. If it looks clean and clear I have no fear of drinking it. There has only been a couple of occasions where I have sterilised (once with tannin stained water from a stream in the hills between Whangamata and Waihi and once from a stagnant looking swamp up the back of Waikareiti).

Originally Posted by Matt2308

The first thing I consider is are there sheep or cattle upstream, if there are then it's a no go for me without boiling or treating first.

Or..... if your mates upstream.

I drink straight from the creeks in the Ruahines all the time, never had an issue. If I'm going to get the sh*ts, chances are that I'll be home by then eh.

my last trip into ureweras we took.empty bottles. It was great being able to grab a drink straight out of the river. Was a long walk from anywhere so felt safe.

if Im in back country...do it all the time...front lowland stuff with farms all around not so keen but if Im thirsty enough well water is water.

If you see little insects or koura in the water the quality is good enough to drink.

I use those water purifier tablets. Only takes 30 mins after putting in ya bottle to do the job. I've come across a few deer carcass and possums in streams/rivers in remote places so you can never be too sure.

The"Waikato" Rivers ok, it's brown and Rushy swears by it

Originally Posted by Maca49

The"Waikato" Rivers ok, it's brown and Rushy swears by it

It is the additives that make it tasty Maca. I look forward to sharing a few with you come September.

Basically just use your common sense, if its flowing and looks clean and youre in the back of beyond then go for it. Only time I have ever really had to boil water to use as drinking water is from tarns on the tops, some of them look pretty dubious!

Personally I carry a life straw. filters water and sterilises it so no worries. Pretty much drink stagnant water and A ok. A great $30.00 spent. Filters something like 1000 liters before it needs replacing.