Water Filter Question

[Mav5]

I have a MSR miniworks ex filter and have used it with no issues in the past. But recently I spoke with guy that said I should still be using drops in my water even after its been through the filter. Anyone have any thoughts on this??

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Uh, the filter should do the trick. That is a high-end carbon/ceramic filter, and the tablets won't do as good of a job as the filter. It would ruin the taste, though.

 

[Kevin Root]

I checked on the specs for your filter. The only thing I could find is that is would not be effective against viruses. That may be the reason for the advice that was given to you for the drops.

Below is a write up on the REI site that goes into more detail on understanding water treatment but one should note, "Viruses are the least common pathogens found in the wilderness. Viruses that afflict humans usually only reach backcountry water sources via human fecal matter."

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/water+treatment.html

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/expedition-water-treatment-and-hydration/miniworks-ex-microfilter/product
MSR miniworks ex filter

Effective against protozoa, Yes
Effective against bacteria, Yes
Effective against viruses, No
Effective against particulate, Yes
Effective against chemicals/toxins, Yes
Weight, 1 lb / 456 g
Width, 2.75 in / 7 cm
Length, 7.5 in / 19 cm
Filter media Ceramic Plus Carbon
Filter pore size 0.2 microns
Flow (L/min) 1 liters per min
Flow (strokes per liter) 85
Cartridge life~2000 liters
Field cleanable, Yes
Field maintainable, Yes
Country of Origin Made in Seattle, USA
Mechanical advantage, Yes
Water Bottle Adapter, Yes
Cartridge replacement indicator, Yes

 

[Mav5]

Thanks for the input guys. I dont think its worth the bad taste and extra steps with drops for a relatively low probability of encountering a virus.

 

[sjsmallfield]

I sell those filters at the shop I work at and there should be no reason to add any drops to your filtered water. I'm not positive but I think my MSR rep. told me that is the same filter used by the USMC.

 

[Elk Hunter]

I agree that most filters do not remove viruses. A purification filter, .1 micron I think, will but even then I don't think it is 100%. Viruses are unlikely in the backcountry unless your in a area with above average traffic, camping, etc, but that probably goes for just about anything else that could be in the water. Although unlikely, when you look at the list of possibilities I still use the drops in those areas. Hepatitis and flu were on the list I saw.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I use the same one and you are good to go.. The tabs taste like crap to me.. You don't need to do both.