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is C&O water pumps drinkable?
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Tank from Pgh on 7/20/2017 7:09:59 AM:
Hi all,

I am wandering if the water at the primitive campsites is being treated? I guess if there is a handle on the pumps can it be drank or should it be treated first?
I can't find for sure if the NPS is still treating the water or not? I will be making the trip in about 3 weeks.

Thanks.
 
tampabiker'swife from Tampa on 7/20/2017 11:08:21 AM:
We were told by some volunteer workers at one of the lockhouses that if the pump is not ok to drink they have removed the handle, so pumps with handles have been treated and are safe. That being said, the water did not really smell or taste that good and we had to pump awhile before any water came out. (Maybe I am a spoiled bottled water drinker.) Good luck!
 
Richard from DC on 7/20/2017 4:36:45 PM:
The pumps are obviously not treated water. I personally wouldn't drink water from a well along the canal or even wash dishes, my face, or hands with it. There are enough places along the canal where you can get treated water or at worst buy bottled water. But then I wouldn't drink from a well anywhere else either.
 
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 7/20/2017 7:08:00 PM:
No offense Richard but that is a false statement on the wells not being treated. Tampabaiker has it right. When I ride the trails I do add Crystal light packs to the pump water I drink to make it taste better because carrying water can add weight fast to the bike. But wells are tested and treated. Richard is correct that there are a lot of places to buy water if you choose go that route also.
 
DJT from DC on 7/21/2017 7:02:45 AM:
Believe me, there are better water sources out there! No one knows more about water than me. It's worth carrying extra water and buying extra bottled water along the way, believe me. This is a HUGE tip, the best tip you'll ever get on this site, believe me.
- "The Don"
 
Anonymous on 8/2/2017 10:57:22 AM:
Just purchase a Sawyer Squeeze for $20 at walmart, screw it onto a thread matching water bottle which I purchase at Dollar General and you are good to go.
 
Rick from Grafton on 8/2/2017 4:15:28 PM:
The pumps are treated. If a water source proves to be unsafe the park service removes the handle. They are pretty good at keeping this info current. However, the water does have a strong taste and sometimes takes quite a few pumps to prime. I've actually had the water turn color when I put it in a freeze dried meal! I usually will add some flavored powder mix to water I'm drinking along the route. The suggestion regarding a Sawyer Squeeze Filter is a good one they make 2 sizes and are inexpensive.
 
Anonymous on 8/2/2017 4:43:53 PM:
The Sawyer Squeeze screws perfectly onto SMART water bottles you can find in any store...and EVERNEW water bladders that you can order off eBay.
 
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