LCR Water - Sawyer Filter

[Tsd906]

For those of you experienced with the Little Colorado River, what is the scoop on the water? Safe to drink after filter through a Sawyer? Smell/Taste?

[Tough_Boots]

If you can squeeze it through a filter its safe to drink unless there is a viral issue in the area. Then you would need to chemically or UV treat.

[BobP]

It's safe to drink. But it is disgusting because it is highly mineralized. It may run thru you. Smells fine. After first trip, we always carried what we needed.

[Peter_Medal]

Third annual excursion there, learned the best place to harvest is from the spring/pools coming off Big Canyon....there are also some spring locations just west of the USFS camp at the mouth of Salt Canyon...harvesting from these locations the water is clear, less wear and tear on having to backwash the Sawyer. To mitigate the taste, mixing with some EmerGenC works well.

[chumley]

To expand on the answers above ... it's like filtering sea water. The filter removes bacteria and whatnot, but it still ends up as clear salt water!

As Bob says, the minerals make it taste disgusting, and depending on your level of tolerance and the quantity you drink, may make you sick.

If you want to filter, definitely use the spring just below the camp at Salt Canyon like Peter said. At least it's crystal clear to begin with.

I have always carried everything I needed. I have no desire to hike out of there with a GI illness that I could have easily prevented.

If you must drink from the river, I recommend diluting it with water you carry in so at least you aren't bombing your system with as high a concentration of minerals with each sip. And definitely bring powdered flavor packets to add to the mix.

[Tsd906]

Thanks to all for the advice!