Has something in the BWCA changed? I see people are mentioning water filters in their equipment. I've been going since the 80's and never used a filter. What say you all?

From the Forest Service regarding the Boundary Waters:

• All drinking water should be treated
by one of the following methods:
1. Bring water to a full boil for 1 minute
— then let stand until cool enough to
drink.
2. Purify with a filter specifically
designed to remove Giardia lambia.
3. Treat water with a
chemical specifically
designed to kill
Giardia lambia.

Nothing has changed, and this topic comes up over and over again. Do what makes you feel safe, and let other people do what they feel is best for them.

naturboy12: "Nothing has changed, and this topic comes up over and over again. Do what makes you feel safe, and let other people do what they feel is best for them. "

+1. Here was the most recent lengthy discussion on the topic. Dip or filter

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.
Dip or filter thread was helpful.

I dip and filter depending on my location. The only thing that's changed is people feeling the need to filter.I think they've got more user friendly since my first trips in the 80s. I haven't herd of any water quality changes since the 80s.

I do think something has changed. Filters have gotten much better. It is very easy to purify water now. I think a lot of people would rather filter than take the chance, no matter how small.

Just guessing, but if one person in a thousand got diarrhea in 1980, very few people would know about it. With the internet/social media- if one person in a thousand gets diarrhea thousands of people know about it.

pswith5: "Just guessing, but if one person in a thousand got diarrhea in 1980, very few people would know about it. With the internet/social media- if one person in a thousand gets diarrhea thousands of people know about it. "

Great point. Spiny Water Flea as well. I've never personally known someone who has gotten the poopies or the flea in the BWCA, but I have known people that have gotten them other places.

Spiny water fleas are not something people "get". They can cling to fishing line and cause havoc to the food chain but they pose no threat to people.

Unas10: "I do think something has changed. Filters have gotten much better. It is very easy to purify water now. I think a lot of people would rather filter than take the chance, no matter how small."

+100

I don’t want to drink all the Pine pollen. Some trips it’s entirely covering the water. Then there is all the nasties in the water you can’t see. What’s changed is the many options we have to filter than in the 80s.

Filtering is no different now then dipping. I use a Lifestaw filter bottle. Dip is in, screw the cap and filter back on, and drink. How is that different then dipping, or more work?

What has changed is the attitude of "I have always dipped and never got sick" is not an accepted solution anymore in light of so many easy to use options.