How to Find and Purify Water While Hiking in the UK
When you’re out hiking in the UK, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your energy, especially during longer treks. While there’s plenty of water available in nature, knowing how to find and purify it is crucial for safety. In remote areas, streams, rivers, and lakes can be tempting sources of water, but they often contain bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants that can make you sick. In this guide, we’ll cover how to find water and purify it safely, so you can enjoy your hike without worry.
1. Where to Find Water While Hiking
The UK is blessed with an abundance of water sources, but not all of them are suitable for drinking straight from the source. Here’s where you’re most likely to find water on a hike:
Streams and Rivers
Mountain Streams: High up in the mountains, you’ll often find fast-flowing streams that come straight from springs or rainfall. These are often your cleanest options for water, but still need to be purified to be safe.
Rivers: Rivers can provide a steady water source, but their water may be contaminated with sediment, bacteria, or parasites, especially near populated areas. It’s important to be cautious of water that’s discoloured or stagnant.
Waterfalls: Water flowing over rocks in waterfalls may seem pure, but like rivers, it can still contain harmful microorganisms.
Lakes and Ponds
Lakes and Reservoirs: These are a common water source in many areas of the UK, especially in regions like the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. However, lakes and reservoirs can be breeding grounds for bacteria and algae, so they require purification.
Ponds: Ponds often contain stagnant water and are not recommended as a water source due to the higher risk of contamination.
Rainwater
Collecting Rainwater: If you’re lucky enough to be in an area with frequent rainfall, rainwater can be a safe and renewable source of water. It’s best collected in clean containers, and even then, it’s worth purifying it before drinking.
Natural Springs
Springs: Natural springs are typically a good source of fresh water, especially those coming directly from the ground. If you find a spring, it may be relatively clean, but it’s still wise to purify it before drinking.
Snow and Ice
Melting Snow or Ice: In colder climates, snow and ice can provide an excellent water source. Always melt it before drinking, and make sure it’s clean snow or ice, away from areas that might be contaminated by animal tracks or pollution.
2. Purifying Water While Hiking
No matter how clean the water looks, always purify it before drinking to avoid waterborne illnesses. There are several ways to purify water while hiking in the UK, depending on your gear and the time you have.
1. Water Filters
Water filters are a popular choice for hikers because they’re lightweight and effective at removing bacteria, protozoa, and sediment. Some filters can also remove larger particles and improve the taste of the water.
How They Work: Water filters work by physically straining out contaminants. You simply fill a bag or reservoir with water and then push it through a filter cartridge that traps impurities.
Best For: Removing bacteria and larger organisms like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Popular Options: Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw, Katadyn BeFree.
2. Water Purification Tablets or Drops
Water purification tablets and drops are small, lightweight, and effective. They typically contain chlorine dioxide or iodine, which kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They’re great if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to carry a large filter.
How They Work: You drop or dissolve the tablet into your water and wait for the recommended amount of time (usually 30 minutes). The chemicals kill harmful organisms in the water.
Best For: Killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Popular Options: Potable Aqua, AquaMira.
Note: Some people may have sensitivities to the taste or chemicals in purification tablets. If possible, choose tablets that leave a minimal aftertaste, like chlorine dioxide.
3. Boiling Water
Boiling water is one of the most reliable ways to purify water, killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If you have a camping stove or a fire, you can easily boil water for purification.
How It Works: Boil water for at least one minute to ensure that it’s safe to drink. If you’re at high altitude (above 2,000 metres or 6,500 feet), boil water for at least 3 minutes to account for lower boiling temperatures.
Best For: Killing all forms of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Tip: Once boiled, let the water cool before drinking, or pour it into a thermos to keep it hot for later.
4. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sterilizers
UV sterilizers use ultraviolet light to destroy harmful microorganisms in the water. They're compact, lightweight, and easy to use, but they do require batteries or a charging source.
How They Work: You simply place the UV sterilizer in your water bottle and activate it. The UV light destroys the DNA of harmful organisms, rendering them harmless.
Best For: Killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Popular Options: SteriPEN, CamelBak All Clear.
5. Solar Water Purification
In emergency situations, solar-powered water purification methods are useful for long-term hikers. These methods typically involve solar stills or bags designed to distill water using the sun’s heat.
How They Work: Solar stills collect and evaporate water from contaminated sources, then condense it into a clean collection container. It’s a slow process, but it can be effective in the right conditions.
Best For: Emergencies or slow purification where other methods aren’t available.
Tip: Use a clear plastic bag to collect and purify rainwater or water from a contaminated source using solar heat.
3. Choosing the Right Purification Method
Your choice of water purification method depends on several factors:
Duration of Your Hike: If you're on a longer trek, you might prefer a filter that you can use multiple times.
Weight: For shorter hikes or lighter loads, tablets or a UV sterilizer are more compact options.
Water Quality: If you're hiking through an area with known contamination, a filter or boiling water may be your best option. If the water looks clear and you’re in a remote area, purification tablets might be enough.
Availability of Fuel or Power: If you have access to a stove, boiling water is straightforward. If you’re using a UV sterilizer, make sure you have enough battery life.
4. Storing Purified Water
After you’ve purified your water, make sure to store it properly:
Use clean, food-grade bottles or hydration bladders.
Avoid using containers that have held chemicals or non-food products.
If you’re storing water for later use, keep it sealed and away from direct sunlight to prevent bacteria from growing.
5. Conclusion
Finding and purifying water while hiking in the UK is an essential skill, and being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you're filling up from a fast-flowing mountain stream, collecting rainwater, or melting snow, always purify your water before drinking it to ensure it’s safe. With the right gear and knowledge, you can stay hydrated on even the most remote hiking trails. So, be sure to pack your purification method, keep an eye out for natural water sources, and enjoy your hike with the peace of mind that you’re staying safe and healthy!