Question:
i have come to the conclusion that for backwoods/backpack drinking water, a *combination* of filtering and then followed up with chemical treatment is *MUCH* better than just one or the other.

i base this conclusion on information confirmed by these few clippings from the current (aug 2000) issue American Survival Guide magazine in the article "How Safe Is Your Water Source?".

Answer: the really bad waterborne nasties (like hepatites) which are very hard to filter are *fortunately* NOT the same nasties which are chemically resistant. Also reducing the particles in the water means there's less that will absorb the iodine (or bleach) making it more effective.

THEREFOR: filtering FIRST (with a 1.0 micron or smaller filter) and then SECOND, treating with iodine or bleach should be much more effective than either filtering or treating chemically. Plus using cheap coffee filters as a prefilter can extend the life of your filter.

(some filter elements are impregnated with iodine to prevent bacteria from growing on the filter element; this iodine has no effect on the water).

boil, boil, boil, i also have and use quite often is a pur scout model filter/purifier.has worked so far i also include some coffee filters, and chemical treatment for really scary water sources.