- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francés (2018)
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This is the water bottle I brought. I still have it and use it at home now, too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076BJKQ27/?tag=casaivar02-20I seem to be more susceptible to water issues, so I brought a water bottle with a filter in it. I used it to drink from village fountains, bathroom sinks, etc, and never had any stomach issues from water. When I did have tummy trouble, I could safely attribute it to funky milk in the coffee (so I switched to straight espresso after the second week), and one very very bad plate of paella in Sarria. Buen camino!
There are a lot of reasons to be sick, and water is the least likely cause!two who commented were sick in the last 100 km to Santiago
They suggest we should buy bottled water
I find water in the larger towns to be horrible to drink but perfectly safe. From fountains along the way, water tastes much better and once again perfectly safe. I can only pass on this suggestion and since I do not use a bladder, I cant say its true. After many miles and weeks, the hydration bladder can have a build up of bacteria causing stomach problems. I personally only use bottles that get a good clean out every few days. It does seem strange does it not that few if any have any problems in the early part of the camino before the germs build up in the equipment. I did once, when my bottle got broken, buy bottled water and reuse the bottle for a few days before disposing of it. Personally, I have never had any problems with the water other than the heavily chlorinated taste in a few placesI am six weeks away from starting my first Camino and have recently seen discussions on the American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook page regarding water quality. I am not sure which route was taken, but at least two who commented were sick in the last 100 km to Santiago. They suggest we should buy bottled water (something I am usually opposed to) instead of using the potable water in towns or in hostels on the route. What is the experience of people walking this year?
I am six weeks away from starting my first Camino and have recently seen discussions on the American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook page regarding water quality. I am not sure which route was taken, but at least two who commented were sick in the last 100 km to Santiago. They suggest we should buy bottled water (something I am usually opposed to) instead of using the potable water in towns or in hostels on the route. What is the experience of people walking this year?
I find water in the larger towns to be horrible to drink but perfectly safe. From fountains along the way, water tastes much better and once again perfectly safe. I can only pass on this suggestion and since I do not use a bladder, I cant say its true. After many miles and weeks, the hydration bladder can have a build up of bacteria causing stomach problems. I personally only use bottles that get a good clean out every few days. It does seem strange does it not that few if any have any problems in the early part of the camino before the germs build up in the equipment. I did once, when my bottle got broken, buy bottled water and reuse the bottle for a few days before disposing of it. Personally, I have never had any problems with the water other than the heavily chlorinated taste in a few places
Unfortunately, I have never met a pilgrim carrying bleach or sterilization tablets. Most of those I have met never even think of thoroughly rinsing their bottles. As for bladders, how do you clean out the tubes on the Camino. As I said, I cant say one way or another as I never use a bladder but the problems do only seem to start some way into the camino and seldom at the start. On my first camino, I used aluminium bottles and never thought about washing them out. It did me no harm but when it was pointed out to me that bacteria could be building up in them, I have made a habit of thoroughly rinsing my equipment every couple of daysYours is a useful thought to bring up and I hope the following might be helpful. What you have mentioned is a concern which is shared by some folks.
What I can say is that studies have shown that there is no more risk of water bladders/reservoirs having contamination issues than reusable water bottles. The same conditions exist for either container. The only demonstrable risk for either hydration/water bladders or non-disposable bottles, is from putting contaminated water into the container without proper filtration, or from keeping water stored in the container for several days without a freshwater exchange, or for prolonged storage without properly preparing the container.
To properly prepare a container for storage:
- Rinse thoroughly. Fill with water.
- Add regular bleach at a concentration appropriate for the amount of water the bladder or bottle will hold -- usually no more than 1/2 teaspoon -- or use commercially available water bladder disinfecting tablets, or even a denture cleaning tablet. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes or according to instructions on the product label.
- Rinse once.
- With the bladder or bottle open, allow to air dry.
- If the water bladder or bottle is clear, alternatively one can use the sun's UV radiation to sterilize the container while it is open and being allowed to dry.
Unfortunately, I have never met a pilgrim carrying bleach or sterilization tablets. Most of those I have met never even think of thoroughly rinsing their bottles. As for bladders, how do you clean out the tubes on the Camino. As I said, I cant say one way or another as I never use a bladder but the problems do only seem to start some way into the camino and seldom at the start. On my first camino, I used aluminium bottles and never thought about washing them out. It did me no harm but when it was pointed out to me that bacteria could be building up in them, I have made a habit of thoroughly rinsing my equipment every couple of days
I did not bring my Platypus, but I rinsed out my water bottle daily and used water + soap around the lip. Not optimum, I know, but it worked for me as mentioned above.
You do not need to buy bottled water. You can refill your supply at alburge's or pension's or the portable water in village squares. I did all of the above without a hitch.I am six weeks away from starting my first Camino and have recently seen discussions on the American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook page regarding water quality. I am not sure which route was taken, but at least two who commented were sick in the last 100 km to Santiago. They suggest we should buy bottled water (something I am usually opposed to) instead of using the potable water in towns or in hostels on the route. What is the experience of people walking this year?
This seems like a pretty easy issue to deal with -- bring a refillable water bottle with a filtration system for protozoa and bacteria like LifeStraw or SurviMate for peace of mind and be done with it. Some on here are saying that's overkill, but seriously, if the OP is being encouraged to use a refillable water bottle, why not let that person have the extra peace of mind of getting one with the super-filter and call it good? Necessary or not to others, it will bring more calm to those of us who are more susceptible to tummy troubles. It could be required or it could be just a placebo effect, but so long as it's a refillable water container (which we all agree is the best idea) what does it matter to anyone else? This thread is reminding me of an encounter I had with an American male pilgrim around Sahagun. He asked what that thing was sticking down into my water bottle, and when I told him he shared his "opinion" with me about how unnecessary it was, waste of money, don't be so scared of everything, etc etc. He was definitely trying to "shame" or humiliate me for being such a "scared American" -- but in the end, why was it even his business? My water bottle wasn't hurting anyone. OP, just go buy a LifeStraw/SurviMate and feel better about the water you put in your bottle, especially in those open village fountains. Buen camino!
There is more seafood served the last 100km. I wonder if that is more suspect. Also lemon wedges cut with unclean knives, and they sit out on the counter. I filled my water bottle (stainless -reusable) daily. My straw got a bit dirty so I cleaned it. There are many studies. I didn’t spend a lot of effort looking, but I’d avoid lemon in your coke or water, or squeezed on your seafood. https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4659168
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