Camping, Hiking, Travel

While the water flowing in the streams and rivers of the backcountry may look pure, it can still be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants.

When planning on camping or hiking, it is important to remember your water needs. There are many approaches you can take to providing yourself and others in your group with safe water for both drinking and sanitation.

Before your next camping or hiking trip, check out the links below.

Safe Camping and Hiking

For information on safe camping and hiking, please see:

Safe Camping and Hiking

Safe Drinking Water

Eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water can increase the risk of developing certain infectious diseases caused by germs such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus, among others.

For information on safe drinking water, please see:

A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment for Backcountry and Travel Use (CDC)

A Guide to Water Filters (CDC)

Risks from Food and Water (Drinking and Recreational) (CDC)

Water Treatment Methods (CDC)

Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water (CDC)

For information on bottled water, please see:

Bottled Water (CDC)

Bottled Water Regulation and the FDA (FDA)

Safe Recreational Water

Swimming in contaminated water can increase the risk of developing certain infectious diseases. When you are swimming in untreated or poorly treated water, you risk coming in contact with germs that may make you sick.

For information on safe recreational water, please see:

Healthy Swimming Information for Travelers

Risks from Food and Water (Drinking and Recreational) (CDC)

RWIs: Recreational Water Illnesses

Sanitation

In addition to using safe drinking and recreational water, it is important to also protect yourself and others from waterborne illness by paying attention to good sanitation practices:

• Disposing of human waste appropriately. When possible, use permanent sanitation facilities (toilets and latrines). If these facilities are not available, dispose of human waste by burying it at least 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from natural waters.
• Practicing good personal hygiene. If possible, wash hands with soap and clean, running water before handling food or eating, and after using the toilet.

For information on Sanitation when traveling or while in the backcountry, please see:

Clean Hands Save Lives (CDC)

Leave No Trace Principles (Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics)

Backcountry Operations (National Park Service Public Health Program)

Diseases

CDC’s "Diseases Related to Travel" will provide information for travelers about specific diseases that can affect them while traveling. Note: For travel recommendations for specific regions, please see Destinations.

For specific information on certain diseases, please see:

Travelers’ Health: Diseases (CDC)

Cryptosporidiosis (CDC)

Traveler’s Health: Cryptosporidiosis (CDC)

Traveler’s Diarrhea (CDC)

FAQs on Traveler’s Diarrhea

Illness and Injury

While traveling abroad, it is important to know what steps should be taken in the event of illness and/or injury. For more information, please visit CDC’s Illness and Injury Abroad webpage. For specific information on drowning, please see CDC’s Water-Related Injuries Factsheet.