Book 4, Question 119
Why Should You Not Drink Stream Water?
Clear water can still hide germs. You cannot see viruses or many bacteria, so pretty water is not always safe water. Streams pick up droppings and runoff from animals, fields, and roads.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- Germs from human or animal poop can get into lakes, rivers and streams.
- Water can look clean and still have bacteria, viruses and parasites in it.
- Drinking straight from a clear mountain stream is generally not safe.
- Boiling is the best way to kill germs, including the parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
- To boil water safe, keep it at a rolling boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes above 6,500 feet.
- Boiling cannot fix water that has harmful chemicals in it.
- Most small water filters remove parasites but not viruses.
Sources: CDC
Questions kids ask
If stream water looks clear, is it safe?
No. Clear water can still hold germs. Boil it, or filter and then disinfect it, before drinking.