Are you going hiking soon? You should prepare for your hydration needs in the best way possible. 

“Potable water” is clean water that’s safe to drink, brush your teeth with, wash your hands with, and use for preparing food. It is important to note the water quality in the parks or areas where you will be hiking. You can often find this information on local park websites. 

Never drink water from a natural source that you haven’t purified, even if the water looks clean. Water in streams, rivers, and lakes may look clean, but it can still be filled with bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

If you’re going to use natural water along your adventure, follow these steps to collect and purify water from a natural water source:

1) Collect water from your source.

2) Filter the water by using an NSF-Certified filter.

3) Disinfect the water by boiling or using chemicals.

Remember to stay hydrated and to plan by drinking before you get thirsty.

Do you want to learn more about water safety? Follow our Instagram @aquafeelmaryland