Those who routinely go camping and hiking are most likely familiar with the common types of bacteria that can be found in lakes, streams, and rivers. Basic wilderness survival or classroom training will cover this pretty early on, but some find this out the hard way by being exposed to it's bodily effects first hand. This is because natural waterways that seem pristine, untouched, and perfect for human consumption can actually be dangerous to drink. Bacteria found in this water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses such as severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting as well as headaches and fatigue. Some of the most common types found are Giardia Lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and E-coli; all of which are filtered out by the berkey water filter system

Giardia Lamblia

Also called Giardia intestinalis, this microscopic parasite is spread through human and animal feces. It is typically carried in streams and rivers whereas the bacteria gets washed downstream to an unsuspecting person who's thirsty. Some may have heard this bacteria referred to as "beaver fever", since wild animals living in and near water can be the prime carriers of the disease.

Giargia Lamblia

Once in the body, the giardia causes giardiasis, a disease characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, weight loss, and general gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms last for about a week, however some people can undergo a more chronic infection with similar symptoms and an even greater degree of weight loss. Giardiasis is rarely fatal, and can be treated medicinally by quinacrine, metronidazole, and furazolidone. Healthy adults generally can usually become infected and recover with no lasting damage. Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium is spread by the transmission of oocysts and is a microorganism that burrows into the intestines and is transmitted to others through feces contamination in water. Once inside the body, the oocyst breaks apart, releasing four movable spores that attach to the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, and eventually form oocysts again that can be excreted. Symptoms occur approximately 2 to 10 days after infection. Common symptoms include diarrhea, headache, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a low fever. There is no treatment against the bacteria, although it is possible to treat the symptoms. After about 1-2 weeks, the symptoms will disappear as the immune system kills the infection. However, for persons with a compromised immune system such as infants, seniors, those with AIDS, or transplantees, cryptosporidiosis can be life threatening and should be monitored very closely.

E. coli

E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria live in the intestines of people and animals and are usually harmless or cause brief diarrhea. However, in 2%-7% of those infected with E. coli O157:H7, the bacterium will also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome. This will cause the destruction of red blood cells and potential failure of the kidneys. This condition is life threatening and may require blood transfusions and kidney dialysis as treatments. Although healthy adults can typically withstand a bout of the infection, children and the elderly are prone to more serious damage and it can be fatal. Giardia Lamblia, Cryptosporidium, and E-coli are all removed from the water by the black berkey filters to a log 6 or 99.9999% level. These black berkeys are standard with all of our berkey water filter systems and many of our customers use this portable berkey system or the smaller 22 oz sport berkey bottle when going camping and hiking. Both are great solutions and we recommend customers implement them as protection from these potential illnesses. Also see : Berkey water filter removes heavy metals from drinking water