My Camelback is years old and with regular flushing, and an occasional dollop of bleach, then hanging upside down to dry, ive had no bad taste, algea,or trouble. ive only seemingly worn out the cover through use.
Ime made to where i have to hydrate early and often, and i don't cramp up until ime in the water discipline stage.
my water regimen is at an hour or so before the effort, ill down a gallon of water. this is for the really warm days. 35 c to 43-44c
then on the walkout i sip often and regularly.
i avoid the sports drinks, too sugary and slow me down
i do supplement when i can with a amino acid mix to combat lactic acid buildup and rebuild muscle
at the end of the trail, i would drink another amino acid mix immediately and continue the water, flushing away the lactic acid and rehydrating.
the continuous wear and tear will add up, rest days let the muscles rebound and rebuild
so hopefully ill remember this on my walk, and behave myself enough to not walk the entire route in one shot... due to excitement!