Getting water
#26
It's true, man.
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#28
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I use a lifesaver bottle.
https://www.lifesaversystems.com/
It's a bit expensive, but I've drank lake ontario, lake huron, notoriously polluted rivers in Toronto here, as well as countless dubious water sources (swamps, muddy holes) straight from the bottle and haven't ever gotten sick from it. It reduces the stress of having and finding water on a bike tour for sure.
https://www.lifesaversystems.com/
It's a bit expensive, but I've drank lake ontario, lake huron, notoriously polluted rivers in Toronto here, as well as countless dubious water sources (swamps, muddy holes) straight from the bottle and haven't ever gotten sick from it. It reduces the stress of having and finding water on a bike tour for sure.
#29
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In the US, this is hardly ever a problem unless you are in really rural areas, or in the desert. Look for anything, water spigots on library or school buildings, bathroom sinks, every gas station/ convenience store has a water spigot of some sort. By the way, the Oregon state parks have some of the best water, so if you are out there, be sure to fill up!
#30
Every lane is a bike lane
Most towns have a drinkable town water supply that can be accessed from parks or the town centre, but if in doubt, buying bottled water occasionally won't break the bank. That said, the MSR water filter that I used for the first time a couple of weeks ago worked a treat, too.
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#31
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If you tour in Australia, be careful about using standalone taps/spigots. There is an increasing trend to pipe separately treated sewage which is clear water, but which isn't potable water fit for human consumption, to irrigate lawns in parks. Keep a watch for signs that say "Not Suitable for Drinking". The water also has a distinct odour.
In other places, the ability to treat water is limited, and after heavy rainfall, there may be deficiencies in the "health" of water coming out of taps. The East Coast of Tasmania falls into this category. There are usually signs or notices erected around town warning of this.
Often in Australia in remote areas, there are tanks that hold rainwater (the Nullarbor Plain is an example, as well as ocean-side pull-off areas). For public liability protection, these usually carry signs that say "Not Suitable for Drinking", but they may be OK, especially if it has been a rainy season. Sometimes these tanks are replenished by road tankers.
I think iodine was the old standby bug-killer, and if I was riding through suspect areas, I probably would take a small bottle of bleach as a steriliser... a squirt or two in a bottle and let stand for an hour to let the chlorine permeate out. Or I can just boil the water for five minutes and forget the bleach.
I carried a water purifier with me for ages, but never used it and I don't remember what happened to it. I have used two-llitre wine cask bladders in the past to stock up on water when going to a remote site; they're easy to pack down to almost nothing when not in use. I'd probably use a platypus bladder or similar now because the filler is larger.
In other places, the ability to treat water is limited, and after heavy rainfall, there may be deficiencies in the "health" of water coming out of taps. The East Coast of Tasmania falls into this category. There are usually signs or notices erected around town warning of this.
Often in Australia in remote areas, there are tanks that hold rainwater (the Nullarbor Plain is an example, as well as ocean-side pull-off areas). For public liability protection, these usually carry signs that say "Not Suitable for Drinking", but they may be OK, especially if it has been a rainy season. Sometimes these tanks are replenished by road tankers.
I think iodine was the old standby bug-killer, and if I was riding through suspect areas, I probably would take a small bottle of bleach as a steriliser... a squirt or two in a bottle and let stand for an hour to let the chlorine permeate out. Or I can just boil the water for five minutes and forget the bleach.
I carried a water purifier with me for ages, but never used it and I don't remember what happened to it. I have used two-llitre wine cask bladders in the past to stock up on water when going to a remote site; they're easy to pack down to almost nothing when not in use. I'd probably use a platypus bladder or similar now because the filler is larger.
#32
Senior Member
If you tour in Australia, be careful about using standalone taps/spigots. There is an increasing trend to pipe separately treated sewage which is clear water, but which isn't potable water fit for human consumption, to irrigate lawns in parks. Keep a watch for signs that say "Not Suitable for Drinking". The water also has a distinct odour.
On the TA we ran into this a number of times. The first place to tip us off that maybe we should check before using was a town park in Mitchell Or which had spigots fed via a small pump that was supplied by a stream that had just run next to the town and contained whatever ran off from the town. They were used to water the grass. After that we generally asked before using spigots where there was reason to doubt. It turned out that it was not all that unusual for outdoor spigots to not be safe to drink from, but when we asked we were always pointed to a safe source.
#33
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I hadn't thought to mention this, but spigots with non-potable water exist in the US as well. Don't automatically assume that any outdoor spigot is safe. In the American West water used for purposes other than drinking, like irrigating crops, washing vehicles, or watering grass, may not be safe and may not be marked as such.
On the TA we ran into this a number of times. The first place to tip us off that maybe we should check before using was a town park in Mitchell Or which had spigots fed via a small pump that was supplied by a stream that had just run next to the town and contained whatever ran off from the town. They were used to water the grass. After that we generally asked before using spigots where there was reason to doubt. It turned out that it was not all that unusual for outdoor spigots to not be safe to drink from, but when we asked we were always pointed to a safe source.
On the TA we ran into this a number of times. The first place to tip us off that maybe we should check before using was a town park in Mitchell Or which had spigots fed via a small pump that was supplied by a stream that had just run next to the town and contained whatever ran off from the town. They were used to water the grass. After that we generally asked before using spigots where there was reason to doubt. It turned out that it was not all that unusual for outdoor spigots to not be safe to drink from, but when we asked we were always pointed to a safe source.
#34
Senior Member
I can imagine that would be very unpleasant. I made the same mistake twice that I know of, but was lucky enough to not get sick. That is kind of like playing Russian roulette with only one empty chamber though so I wouldn't recommend taking the chance. When in doubt either find known safe water, boil, filter, or treat.
#35
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i would think that almost any public building (courthouse, library, ect) would have have water fountains that you could use if need be. also, parks are a easy place to find water. almost every state and local park that i can think of has water fountains.
#36
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Police/fire stations, town halls, libraries, hospitals, town parks, schools, state parks etc.
If I see someone cleaning their fron yard I'll ask.
Got water from a seminary & Nun's retirement home.
If I see someone cleaning their fron yard I'll ask.
Got water from a seminary & Nun's retirement home.
#37
Senior Member
I use a lifesaver bottle.
https://www.lifesaversystems.com/
It's a bit expensive, but I've drank lake ontario, lake huron, notoriously polluted rivers in Toronto here, as well as countless dubious water sources (swamps, muddy holes) straight from the bottle and haven't ever gotten sick from it. It reduces the stress of having and finding water on a bike tour for sure.
https://www.lifesaversystems.com/
It's a bit expensive, but I've drank lake ontario, lake huron, notoriously polluted rivers in Toronto here, as well as countless dubious water sources (swamps, muddy holes) straight from the bottle and haven't ever gotten sick from it. It reduces the stress of having and finding water on a bike tour for sure.
#38
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Last summer I biked up the bruce peninsula with my friend, 6 days riding, 7 days camping and we hydrated exclusively from the lifesaver, filling up our bike bottles opportunistically. The year before that we did the waterfront trail around lake Ontario and didn't even carry any water, we just stopped and drank the lake whenever needed.
Really great if you're trying to go the ultralight route.
While I've got your ear, you should check out my other secret weapon: https://www.junglehammock.com/
This pretty much the ultimate tool for bike camping, since its about the size and weight of a rolled up pair of pants and there's no poles and eliminates the need to carry a sleeping pad as well. I see a lot of tourist with huge tents strapped to their back rack platforms... I just dump my clark in my pannier.
And if you really like spending money, get one of these and complete the trifecta. https://shop.jetboil.com/index.php/gr...ng-system.html
Last edited by TheDazed; 03-07-11 at 07:00 AM.
#39
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That said many of the backpacking filters are only rated to filter "Protozoa and bacteria" and the Lifesaver bottle claims to also have virus retention. Still some of the filters do claim to treat for viruses and some users filter and chemically treat or use a steripen. Most feel treating for viruses is unnecessary in North America.
#40
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#41
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I don't have a lifesaver bottle, but will just note that it weighs about twice as much as many of the more popular pump type backpacking filters like the MSR Sweetwater. It also costs about twice as much.
That said many of the backpacking filters are only rated to filter "Protozoa and bacteria" and the Lifesaver bottle claims to also have virus retention. Still some of the filters do claim to treat for viruses and some users filter and chemically treat or use a steripen. Most feel treating for viruses is unnecessary in North America.
That said many of the backpacking filters are only rated to filter "Protozoa and bacteria" and the Lifesaver bottle claims to also have virus retention. Still some of the filters do claim to treat for viruses and some users filter and chemically treat or use a steripen. Most feel treating for viruses is unnecessary in North America.
That being said, if I was going it solo over areas with few lakes, ponds and rivers, I might opt for a smaller filter and a steripen, and hit up garden hoses and gas station bathrooms where possible. When you're traveling with a small party though, it services the whole group and is part of the shared kit, and definitely earns its place.
#42
Senior Member
1- I have a Hennessey Hammock that I like. The Clark looks good too, though
2- Not interested in Jet Boil, I have my trusty Trangia. I'll stick with that.
3- The Lifesaver, however, sounds very interesting. I have a decent water filter, but each filter only does 200 gallons vs. the 1000+ gallons with a standard Lifesaver. My filter doesn't filter out viruses and the filter doesn't shut off when it's used up. The Lifesaver seems like a great tool to have around in the event of a natural disaster, in addition to the camping uses you've already mentioned.
2- Not interested in Jet Boil, I have my trusty Trangia. I'll stick with that.
3- The Lifesaver, however, sounds very interesting. I have a decent water filter, but each filter only does 200 gallons vs. the 1000+ gallons with a standard Lifesaver. My filter doesn't filter out viruses and the filter doesn't shut off when it's used up. The Lifesaver seems like a great tool to have around in the event of a natural disaster, in addition to the camping uses you've already mentioned.
#43
Senior Member
this is what I have always done also, figure its the polite thing to do.
as for all the other suggestions, being polite and knocking on a door or asking people out in their yard has often been a nice little break and a nice way to briefly meet people along the way, I have numerous memories of interesting encounters with friendly folks here and there. Its all part of travelling and I like meeting people.
as for all the other suggestions, being polite and knocking on a door or asking people out in their yard has often been a nice little break and a nice way to briefly meet people along the way, I have numerous memories of interesting encounters with friendly folks here and there. Its all part of travelling and I like meeting people.
Last edited by djb; 03-08-11 at 08:48 AM.
#44
Senior Member
chuckle. My sister lives in Wales and it is certainly the case in her neck of the woods (nice place, but lordy I wouldnt want to live there)
#45
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It also claims to reduce heavy metals and chemicals like pesticides with activated carbon, which is a big deal to me. If I was only worried about bacteria and viruses I would just boil. Additionally, you can keep water inside the filter while you're not using it so it's size can be more justified as it also functions as a reserve water bottle.
Yes if you are worried about heavy metals and chemicals some charcoal filtering will help.
As far as the "just boil" comment... It may depend where you are traveling, but in my experience boiling is a major pain in most cases where I might use a filter.
- If I am trying to top up my bottles from a mountain stream along the way not only is it a hassle to stop and boil water, but often the reason for getting water there is because it is cold while the water I am carrying is hot.
- If I am trying to boil water for a full day (or longer) in the desert heat that is a lot of water to boil. It might wind up that carrying a large pot and additional fuel might even be heavier than carrying a filter.
That being said, if I was going it solo over areas with few lakes, ponds and rivers, I might opt for a smaller filter and a steripen, and hit up garden hoses and gas station bathrooms where possible. When you're traveling with a small party though, it services the whole group and is part of the shared kit, and definitely earns its place.
I should note that I am assuming travel in the US or other first world country since that is where I tour. I realize that others choose to tour in other locales and their needs are therefore different.
#46
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Just a few comments on that from my perspective...
Yes if you are worried about heavy metals and chemicals some charcoal filtering will help.
As far as the "just boil" comment... It may depend where you are traveling, but in my experience boiling is a major pain in most cases where I might use a filter.
Again it depends on where you travel, but my assumption is always that the primary water source is known good tap water or bottled water unless on a section that is too remote for that or I want colder water from a stream or from snow on a mountain pass.
I should note that I am assuming travel in the US or other first world country since that is where I tour. I realize that others choose to tour in other locales and their needs are therefore different.
Yes if you are worried about heavy metals and chemicals some charcoal filtering will help.
As far as the "just boil" comment... It may depend where you are traveling, but in my experience boiling is a major pain in most cases where I might use a filter.
- If I am trying to top up my bottles from a mountain stream along the way not only is it a hassle to stop and boil water, but often the reason for getting water there is because it is cold while the water I am carrying is hot.
- If I am trying to boil water for a full day (or longer) in the desert heat that is a lot of water to boil. It might wind up that carrying a large pot and additional fuel might even be heavier than carrying a filter.
Again it depends on where you travel, but my assumption is always that the primary water source is known good tap water or bottled water unless on a section that is too remote for that or I want colder water from a stream or from snow on a mountain pass.
I should note that I am assuming travel in the US or other first world country since that is where I tour. I realize that others choose to tour in other locales and their needs are therefore different.
As for the last one, my particular preference while touring emphasizes camping as much as cycling... stopping every few days and finding a really remote place and just taking a day off from biking to hang out in my hammock in the sun, walk around a forest, write in my journal and generally just camp and enjoy the nature.
I generally am drawn to places on a lake shore or riverside, so even if there's a convenience store up the road, or a house where I could ask for water, having the life saver bottle in my pannier just makes it a non-issue. Biking in enough water for a day or even 2 or 3 can be troublesome. There's been days where I ran out of water just camping on the side of the road for one night.
Of course if I run out in the middle of the day while cycling I still fill up from stores or houses or whatever is convenient. However, being in Ontario, as you go north, civilization becomes extremely sparse.
#47
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First off, I'm gonna guess that for anyone that wasn't able to get water isn't around to post on here?
Ditto to many of the former post, just ask. On the first day of my last summers tour a cyclist rode up from behind me and we struck up a conversation. He then called ahead for his wife to meet us at the road with cold water! I got to meet another cyclist, his wife, and he rode 20 or so more miles with me before turning back home!
The unexpected joys of touring by bike!
Ditto to many of the former post, just ask. On the first day of my last summers tour a cyclist rode up from behind me and we struck up a conversation. He then called ahead for his wife to meet us at the road with cold water! I got to meet another cyclist, his wife, and he rode 20 or so more miles with me before turning back home!
The unexpected joys of touring by bike!
#48
CO2+H20 => CH2O+O2!
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I always carry my First Need water filter with me (filters out cysts, bacteria, viruses, chemicals and gunk). I came into bicycle touring from a backpacking background, where I would spend my time far, far away from any convenience stores. However, the filter is great for touring and allows me to get water anywhere I see the wet stuff.
Many times I will use drinking fountains or sinks in parks, but anytime there is a danger of freezing they shut the water off here. I like to have the filter for convenient, safe water access and it allows me to stay out in the wilds much longer.
Many times I will use drinking fountains or sinks in parks, but anytime there is a danger of freezing they shut the water off here. I like to have the filter for convenient, safe water access and it allows me to stay out in the wilds much longer.
#49
Every day a winding road
I toured the PCH and water was never a problem. But I would usually stop and buy lunch somewhere and get filled up.
Water is one of the many reasons I love Italy, Switzerland and Austria. These are everywhere:
On the Itsch Bike Trail they were giving away water and apple juice (the Itsch runs right through apple country)
Water is one of the many reasons I love Italy, Switzerland and Austria. These are everywhere:
On the Itsch Bike Trail they were giving away water and apple juice (the Itsch runs right through apple country)
Last edited by spinnaker; 04-24-11 at 09:35 AM.
#50
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Police / fire stations libraries, schools, public parks, colleges, hospitals, churches, walmarts state parks
nursing homes, municipal offices etc. It doesn't take much imagination on where to ask if you really need water
nursing homes, municipal offices etc. It doesn't take much imagination on where to ask if you really need water