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Water Purification

While trekking at Philmont, purifying water is a task you’ll become very familiar with. Every crew member must be vigilant about treating water to ensure it is safe to drink. Even though Philmont is a pristine wilderness area, there is no water source within the United States that is completely safe to drink without first treating it—and this includes all surface water at Philmont. Drinking untreated water can lead to serious illnesses, such as giardiasis or other waterborne diseases, which can quickly turn a memorable trek into a miserable experience.

If your crew doesn’t have its own water purification system, don’t worry—Philmont provides every crew with ample MicroPur tablets. These tablets are easy to use and highly effective, making them a reliable solution for water purification on the trail. They’re compact, lightweight, and ensure your crew has access to clean, drinkable water no matter where you camp.

Always Verify Water Safety

While some water sources at Philmont are clearly unsafe, others may appear clean and drinkable but still harbor harmful microorganisms. It’s important to purify every drop of water you drink unless a staff member explicitly tells you that the water is safe. Many of the staffed camps have access to clean, treated water, but occasional issues with their purification systems can arise. Always take a moment to confirm with the staff whether the water at their camp is potable before filling your bottles or bladders.

The Purification Process

Collect Water Carefully: When filling water bottles or bladders, avoid stirring up sediment at the bottom of streams, lakes, or other sources. Clear water is easier to purify and will taste better after treatment.
Use MicroPur Tablets: Follow the instructions provided with the tablets. Typically, one tablet is used per liter of water. Place the tablet in your container, seal it, and wait the recommended time (usually around 30 minutes) before drinking.
Stir and Wait: If you’re treating a large water container, make sure to stir the water thoroughly to distribute the purification evenly.
Check the Source: Even if a water source looks clean, always treat it. Creeks, springs, and other backcountry sources may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Why Purification is Non-Negotiable

While it may be tempting to skip purification when you’re thirsty after a long hike, the risk isn’t worth it. Waterborne illnesses can take days to develop, and symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and dehydration can derail your trek completely. High-altitude hiking already puts your body under stress, so keeping hydrated and healthy is essential for staying strong and completing your journey.

Additional Tips for Managing Water on the Trail

Plan Ahead: Before leaving a water source, always ensure your crew has purified enough water to get through the hike to the next water supply.
Carry Extra Capacity: Each crew member should have enough water storage (bottles or hydration bladders) to hold at least 3 liters, especially on long, dry stretches.
Stay Hydrated: Even with purified water, dehydration can sneak up on you. Drink regularly and remind your crew to do the same.
Remember:You should always replace your filter before you arrive at Philmont.

By staying diligent about water purification, you’re protecting not only yourself but your entire crew. Safe, clean water is one of the most important resources on the trail, and ensuring it is drinkable allows you to enjoy your trek without the worry of falling ill.

Method	How to Use:	Pro’s	Con’s
Boiling	Keep at a rolling boil for 2 minutes	The best way to treat water	Requires a lot of time and Fuel. Purified water is hot and most people want to drink cool water.
Filter – Ceramic	Pump water from stream through filter into container	Long lasting when properly mantained	Fragile and if they break you’re out of luck
Filter – Paper		Easy mantainence, swap filter when it’s tough to pump.	If filter is clogged on the trail, usually no way to backflush.
Filter – Hybrid		Ceramic catches large particles before passing through the paper. Best & longest filter life.	Can be expensive
MicroPur	Place 1 tablet per liter, wait 30 minutes. If water is below 39° and dirty wait 4 hours	Light weight & simple to use. No aftertaste like iodine.	Wait 30 minutes, must be in a sealed container for chlorine-dioxide gas to work.
SteriPens	Program pen for amount of water to purify, submerge bulb in water and stir water with pen until pen indicates it is safe to drink.	Purified water within 90 to 120 seconds.	Cannot sterilize contaminated threads. Batteries may run out, bulb may break. Can have technology malfunctions.

Gear Category: CrewRecommended Quantity: 3

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