Water filter for lakes

If your concern is simply taste, you may consider adding one of these to your existing system.

For less than $5 in tubing and parts I recently built a gravity system for the Sawyer Sqeeze/Mini. The Platypus carbon cartridge could splice directly in-line.

I use a bandana to pre-filter the gross chunks of algae and other detritus as I fill my 4 liter platy "dirty" water bag. Then I add 4 Micropur tablets and let it hang for 20-30 minutes. Finally, I run the water through a McNett Frontier Pro to get the protozoa cysts. That filter has a built-in carbon element to neutralize any foul tastes, and it also has a nifty prefilter that is easy to clean.

Does the dog really mind the algae taste?

JP, keep in mind that the Frontier Pro's pore size is fairly large, so it doesn't trap bacteria (only protozoa). So you have to use something like AM or other chlorine dioxide products. I don't much care for chlorine-tasting water, but the carbon element takes care of that. I don't know about your particular algae taste, but it works on the types I've encountered.

That carbon filter looks like a pretty good idea. I use a Sawyer mini gravity filter as well in the BWCA, and I think I will give this a shot.

>Did you notice a reduction in water flow
>with the carbon filter?

JP-
Haven't actually used it in the field, but tests at home don't show any real difference. I could accept a small reduction in flow for better taste…its a gravity system after all :)

I have a trip planned for Cumberland island soon which will be a good test…pretty bad sulphur water there. The charcoal element in my old (26oz) First Need did an amazing job. Hoping for something close to that efficiency.