Drinking water
can be a source of great pleasure on a wilderness journey, or it can ruin your trip.
Water-borne diseases may not be a problem at Isle Royale, but harmful bacteria and other
microscopic creatures may contaminate the water.Drinking water
can be a source of great pleasure on a wilderness journey, or it can ruin your trip.
Water-borne diseases may not be a problem at Isle Royale, but harmful bacteria and other
microscopic creatures may contaminate the water.
WARNING! Water not obtained from spigots in Rock Harbor or Windigo must be considered contaminated with intestinal bacteria and the eggs of the hydatid tapeworm. Boil water for at least two minutes or filter through an adequate filter (0.4 microns for bacteria; 25 microns for tapeworm). Halizone tablets, bleach, and other chemical purifiers WILL NOT kill tapeworm eggs although they may be effective against bacteria if used properly. PLAY IT SAFE!
Take time to read this basic information about how you should care for your drinking water at Isle Royale National Park.
The same techniques you use to avoid water-borne disease will also help prevent it from spreading from you to others.
Always use pit toilets when provided, and at other times perform your toilet needs AT LEAST 100 feet from any water or wet ground. Use a plastic trowel and bury human waste four to ten inches deep. Take your toilet paper to the next privy; it doesn't decompose easily and spring and autumn frosts can bring it to the surface. Wash your hands afterwards!
Wash yourself and your dishes 100 feet away from lakes or streams to avoid contaminating the park’s water. Take your water to camp and scrub and rinse there. Even biodegradable soap is a stress on the environment. Wash with as little soap as possible. Dispose of used water at least 100 feet from any water source, wet ground, campsite, or water spigot. Don’t wash dishes at water spigots!
Be careful to avoid contamination of food from careless handling of infected soil that may be on your hands, clothing, or boots.
NOTE: The diseases mentioned are unlikely to prove fatal, but can cause extreme distress.
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