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| WALKSAFE means advance planning of the >> Water |
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| As a guide, the daily water requirement of the average active person is approximately 2 litres in cool weather, rising to
5 litres in very hot weather. |
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Surprisingly, thirst is not always the best guide. For safety it is advisable to drink slightly more water than
you appear to need, particularly in the extremes of both hot and cold weather.
On a day walk it is generally unwise to rely on finding drinking water on route,
particularly in the summer months. Carry at least 1 litre, and preferably more, on any walk.
When planning overnight campsites, make every attempt to confirm information about the availability of
water near the site. If doubtful, carry extra water from the last source of sure water before camp. Used wine or water cask bladders are ideal
for this purpose.
Most running water not downstream of human habitation or grazing areas is safe to drink. However, water supplies are increasingly being
rendered unfit for drinking due to pollution from human and animal wastes, and require treatment. If in any doubt, water should be boiled for
5 minutes before use. Alternatively, water suspected of bacterial contamination can be chemically treated with iodine tablets. Compact water
purifier kits are now commercially available which filter both bacterial and amoebic (such as giardia) pollutants.
The most durable water containers are made from aluminium or heavy duty plastic. Light plastic bottles may burst when subject to rough
use. A recent innovation in water bottles incorporates a strong flexible bladder with a drinking tube that enables water to be consumed
en route. |
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