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Reply to C&O hiker/biker sites - water quality
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Reply to C&O hiker/biker sites - water quality
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Angie on 8/4/2013 9:23:26 PM:
I am wondering about availability of water in the stretches between towns on the C&O. I have read that some people filter the pump water at the camp sites, but I am wondering if this is necessary (for both taste and "safety" reasons).
Most days (when I am not carrying any extra weight in gear) I usually use the largest camelback available, but a smaller one refilled more frequently would be helpful.
Any advice?
 
lenny on 8/5/2013 4:20:58 AM:
I never drank the cistern water, although it is probably OK,I was was always able to get water daily at my half way stops along the trail,ei Paw Paw, Williamsport and Whites Station.
 
Roy from Middletown, OH on 8/6/2013 8:58:49 AM:
Cistern water tastes like iodine...tried it once and disliked greatly. Used 2, 20oz. bike bottles and a quart Nalgene: filled up at trail towns and always had plenty...never tried cistern water again.
 
Randy on 8/6/2013 1:23:58 PM:
It is treated with Iodine and will appear cloudy when you put it into a Bottle. It is tested frequently and is very safe to drink. I did drink it a couple times without filtering it and did not get sick. I did grow a third arm though that comes in handy from time to time. :)
 
Angie on 8/6/2013 2:24:23 PM:
Thanks for the comments. I think we are going to try to just keep our water packs full at trail towns, and if something unforeseeable happens, we will just deal with the taste.
 
Anonymous on 8/11/2013 2:45:57 PM:
I hiked the C+O in 2011 and used water from the pumps regularly with no bad taste or other problems.
 
Paul on 9/10/2013 2:55:06 PM:
I don't think the NPS would allow you to drink water from the Pumps if there was even a hint the water was unsafe. It's safe to drink. It is treated with Iodine.

However, some people are allergic to iodine. Pregnant women, women over 50 and people with thyroid problems should consult their doctors before using iodine treatment for water purification.

.
 
CDG from California on 9/17/2013 3:58:40 PM:
Not sure about all of the fuss. I just rode the trail and the water was excellent. Drank it, washed with it -- tasted great. Not all campsites have water pumps that work, but there are plenty of places to get water - either at the camps and in towns. No worries. I still carry a bladder and a bottle (for camp).
 
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