The water in this part of the Delaware is very clean, but that does not mean it is ready for humans to drink. Intestinal ailments, such as giardiasis can strike days or weeks after drinking "raw" water. Persons with mmune deficiencies or taking immune-suppressant drugs are at even greater risk.

If a wild animal drinks from a water source, that does not mean that the water is safe for humans to drink.

Respect the park!
Respect those who follow you!

• To protect others, when backcountry camping, bury all fecal material, including pet waste, at last 8 inches in the ground, and 100 ft. from any water source.
• When camping at river campsites, if there are no latrines at the site, bury all fecal material, including pet waste, at last 8 inches in the ground, and 300 ft. from water.

Prevention
• On day hikes and short hikes, bring water from home.
• Always assume that surface water must be treated, even if wildlife are drinking it.
• All surface water should be boiled for three minutes, or otherwise treated before it is consumed. (See Fact Sheet below)
• If you become ill after drinking untreated water, let your doctor know.

Water Quality on the park's Nature and Science pages