I'm back. Joshua was right, I did not need the equipment, but it was nice to have (just in case…the Boy Scout of my youth). The tap water in Taiwan and China is not safe to drink.
Bottled water was provided by the hotel and our tour guide. Everyone (and I mean everyone) was sure to tell us not to drink the water, not even a little. I did have local tea, however. Once was in a tea shop, the other in a local's house near the drum tower in Beijing. I thought: 1) it would be very rude to refuse; 2) the water was boiled for the tea. In any case, no ill effects.
Strongly suggest everyone get to Beijing and Shanghai: you cannot understand until you see for yourself and have the experience.
Loved the experience. I have a little better awareness and understanding of the Chinese.