Warning: That UV water purifier I tested failed on crystal clear water

Took the SteriPEN Ultra out to Lost Creek in Colorado last weekend. Water looked perfect, no sediment at all. Ran the purifier for the full 90 seconds like the manual says. Got back to camp, took a drink, and woke up at 3am with the worst cramps of my life. Lab test later showed giardia in the sample. So much for that $100 gadget. Anyone else have a purifier let them down on clear water?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_piper14d ago

Water looked perfect" is exactly what gets you. I had the same thing happen with a SteriPEN on a trip to the Wind Rivers a few years back. Water was so clear you could see straight to the bottom of the creek, no cloudiness at all. Ran it through the full cycle, no shortcuts. Woke up at 2am with the same gut-twisting cramps, puking my brains out for two days straight. Lab confirmed giardia later. Crystal clear water doesn't mean it's safe, and it's not just the SteriPEN - I've heard stories from folks using tablets, even the fancy filters, where clear water still had stuff in it. That clear water can be loaded with cysts you can't see, and the UV probably doesn't kill them if they're hiding in the middle of the water column or the water is too cold. You did everything right, but that gadget just didn't work.

robinj2914d ago

I remember reading a CDC report that said something like 60 percent of backcountry water illnesses come from water that looked totally clear. It really opened my eyes. I used to think if it was running and looked clean, I was probably fine, but now I just assume EVERYTHING has something in it. Even a heavy silt load or tannins don't mean it's safe, but clear water gives you a false sense of security.