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Im going to Havasupai for the first time next week for 5 days and was wondering if the water at fern spring needs to be treated or if it can be drunk right out of the pipe. I have heard mixed replies on this, so any feedback would be great. Im just really trying to shed the 13oz filter if I can, and i dont really like chem treatments.

Sorry I dont know about the water at Havasupai..
I just feel compelled to spread the word that Aquamira Water Treatment Drops (and tablets) are essentially the same technology as what makes tap water safe to drink. It is not like iodine or chlorine. It does not add any taste or dangerous poison to the water.
I dont think that filters even filter things like viruses.
http://aquamira.com/preparedness/aquami ... technology

Your right about filters, they dont kill viruses. I use on occasion sweetwater purifing solution kill viruses , but only if im taking water from a not-so-great source. Again tho its rare that I add chemicals to water, unless my life depends on it!

Meh, it's a 3-4 hours backpack so I'd take a filter. I'd recommend you find some method of water treatment, why risk it?

I would agree, especially since the flood. I have drunk directly from the spring (the pipe that comes out of the ground and not out of the springhouse) without mishap every time I've been there, but I haven't been there since the flood.

If you're opposed to chem treatment (taste presumably?) and don't like the extra 13oz of a filter, look into a steripen. No taste, kills -well, neutralizes at least- everything (if used correctly and weighs in at less than 5 ounces (adventurer model).

As for the question, I'm going to echo the above two responses; if you have to ask it's best to treat (or at least have the option available).

Thanks for the responses everyone! I'm gonna break down and take it. Now, what else can i do without? hmmmmmmmm......

Don't forget your Tevas! (or other water sandals!) They definitely need to stay ON your list!

Yup! there on the list! So is my mask and snorkel. Thats really the only "useless" item im taking. Oh that and the camera.