What should be done about clean drinking water, while backpacking in India? Is there a good water filter?

Question

We will be in remote villages. Many times there will be no places to buy bottled water.

This question has been asked before, but was closed... What are practical items to take on a backpaking trip through India?

Answer 1

The following seemingly over cautious approach is due to the fact that foreigners and unacclimatised persons lack natural immunity to basic water bugs.

(Unlike indigenous persons accustomed to waters even in large cities where water is generally considered to be cleaner or available.)


Unless bottled, filter All water or sterilise with tablets:
- Regardless filtered or sterilised, boil at no less than hundred degrees celcius;
- If in doubt of the authenticity of bottled mineral water, boil it;
- Water brought from concierge unless bottled;
- Drink from can drinks where available.
- Bottled water may be purchased in most hotels and restaurants prior to leaving to rural areas;
- Charcoal water filters are Ineffectual.


With above Sterilised and Boiled water:
- Brush teeth, wash face and open wounds;
- Cook food;
- Wash hands with soap after visiting public toilets, including those in the lobbies of hotels;
- Avoid touching exposed areas of the face after touching various objects. Buy sanitised disposal wet towels; water bugs are not visible to the naked eye.


Packing room being available:
- Nominal amount of anti-diarrhea pills to tie over the near term emergencies until one familiarises where to purchase local remedies;
- Packets of isotonic liquids to replenish ions in the body after purging.
Either of the above would not hurt either’
- Cipro, mentioned above by Krista C locally available.


Be Aware:
- Public places clean in appearance whose food and water are generally consumed by locals or accustomed foreigners;
- Despite precautions, a probable chance to be affected by the water over time. All it takes is an act of bravado or laise faire approach to land one in the many the pleasures of seeing Taj Mahal of toilets. Allow the body to acclimatise gradually to local water through local foods should stay exceed a month.
- Any inoculations should be performed a month or longer prior to going there.

Note:
- Boiling water or sterilised water alone is inadequate in some rural areas. (Unless one has a hardy stomach.)
- Sterilise first then boil, reversing the process if not using water for cooking.
- Though not full proof, likelihood of stomach upsets are reduced.
- One puritabs or similar pharmaceutical grade are sufficient for a water jug full as it does make the water smell, hence leave alone for awhile. No requirement to boil.
- Lay off street side fruits.


---update--- Re: Water filters, group size and trip duration ?
Villages, off the cuff, buy:
- Triple the quantity of sterilising tablets and apply two to three times the strength to water, wait fifteen minutes or longer before boiling and consumption;
- Tins and ponchos from a camping store to collect rain water; or
- Solar powered water shower to supply both drinking and shower water.
---update--- Re: Water filters, group size and trip duration ?

Answer 2

In the cities, you can buy bottled water, but make sure you buy it from nicer places since sometimes people open the bottles and resell them with tap water.

In the villages, I'd use a purifier like you'd use to go hiking for a long period of time. I use one called Potable Aqua that comes in two tiny bottles. There are two types of tablets and you dissolve them in the water. There are clear instructions on the back of the box. You can buy them at any Academy or REI or any other sporting goods stores.

If you use these, it is best to give yourself a break every week or so and drink bottled water from the city. If you think you will be out away from a clean water source for longer than a few weeks, you probably ought to buy a pump filter instead of using the tablets. It's more weight to carry and more expensive and a little more time consuming, but you gotta do what you gotta do!

Answer 3

I just got back from living in India for the past year.. clean bottled water is available pretty much everywhere, just check the seal and make sure the bottle hasn't been opened. If by some chance you drink contaminated water (because it could happen.. you are in India and anything's possible there haha) go to the local chemist and buy Cipro. Very cheap about 80 rupees (about $2) for 12... Cipro is a travellers best friend while in India :-) Enjoy India!!!!

Answer 4

Solid carbon block technology is considered the most effective method
for reducing contaminants of health concern. In addition to the
removal of cysts, a solid carbon block filter also reduces:
· chemicals; MTBE, TCE
· pesticides;
· herbicides;
· disinfections byproducts;
· heavy metals;
· cysts; Crypto bug
· asbestos
· particulates
· chlorine.
. Arsenic


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I have been educating consumers & others in the drinking water field
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www.solidcarbonblock.NET

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www.multipureusa.com/canderson


NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company™, a
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Do your home work! Make a good choice for your drinking water needs.
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[e-mail]
Thank you for your time and consideration,
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Systems #223193

Answer 5

1.When you're in a restaurant just ask for boiled water in the local language. They'll bring it free of charge, and it cools down in no time. In hotels they will bring you a flask of "boiled water" if you just ask. That's the safest.
2. If you will be in the village for a long time, it might be worth it to get a purifier called "Aquaguard" which has 3 modes of purification. The people you stay with might have aquaguard, then you're set
3.Guarantee-You won't get sick if you eat everything that's cooked, and warm and avoid meat (quality not reliable) and raw veggies.
4.RE: fruits--eat anything that has a skin (orange, banana) or is cut after washing the skin under hot water, then peeling it yourself with your own clean peeler. Never eat on the roadside unless it's popcorn, puffed rice or broiled corn. Never eat raw cucumber or salad served in restaurants or houses. Avoid ice cream /ice(as the fridges often don't work due to power outages.)
5.Never drink fresh juice no matter how tempting--I learned it the hard way!

Answer 6

I don't have any solid proof of water treating depression but i have personally experienced a reduction in depression whenever i drink a lot of water maybe there is a link between contaminants that my aquasana water filter removes but i definitely feel better after having 5 to 7 glasses.

Answer 7

Now a days good quality packed waters are available pretty much everywhere. If not , try to take boiled water, that is cooled down. You can get boiled water at any restaurant or bakery.Try to enjoy the trip inspite of such little problems. You should be fine with boiled water.Have wonderful trip.

Answer 8

If available go for bottled water....in villages boil the water no other remedy may work......if staying for more than one month try to acclimatise yourself....if you are traveling all the time in rural areas no point in acclimatising yourself take the simple precaution of boiling the water which can be done anywhere..

Happy journey...

Answer 9

Bottled water is available practically every where...
so u dont need to worry on that front just make sure that the seal is intact..

Answer 10

Bisleri and Himalaya bottled water brand are good.